Inspired by the wonderful series of books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, I decided to design a lace shawl for our daughter, who recently started reading the books on her own. This surprisingly simple shawl is knit from the hem up, using very basic lace and shaping techniques. It makes for a great first lace or shawl project, as the only techniques needed to knit the Little House Shawl are: knit, purl, knit 2 together, and yarn over. Although it was designed specifically to fit the shoulders of a child, I was pleasantly surprised to find it makes a lovely shawlette for an adult, too, so I quickly cast on and made a second one for myself!
Size
Fits children size 2-12 (fits an adult as a shawlette)
Measures 58 in (147 cm) along lace edge at hem.
Materials
Malabrigo Sock yarn, 100% merino, 440 yards (402 meters), 100 grams (3.5 ounces)
Shown in color #859, Primavera
Recommended Needle Size
Size 5 (3.75mm) needle, a 24″ circular is optimal, but a straight set of needles will do just fine, too.
Abbreviation chart
sts : stitches
Gauge
22 stitches over 4 in (10 cm) in garter stitch
Knitting Instructions
Cast on 396 sts.
Knit 2 rows.
Begin 4-row “Old Shale” lace pattern as follows:
Row 1: Knit across row
Row 2: Purl across row
Row 3: * k2tog 3 times; (yo, k1) 6 times; k2tog 3 times; repeat from * across row.
Row 4: Knit across row
Work this 4-row pattern a total of 5 times.
Next row: Knit 1 row.
Next row: Purl 1 row.
Decrease row: k3, *k1, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 3 sts, k3. 130 sts dec. 266 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last st, k1. 53 sts dec. 213 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 3 sts, k3. 42 sts dec. 171 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last st, k1. 34 sts dec. 137 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 2 sts, k2. 27 sts dec. 110 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row. 22 sts dec. 88 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 3 sts, k3. 17 sts dec. 71 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last st, k1. 14 sts dec. 57 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 2 sts, k2. 11 sts dec. 46 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last st, k1. 9 sts dec. 37 sts rem.
Next row: Knit 1 row.
Decrease row: k1, then, (k2tog) 18 times. 18 sts dec. 19 sts rem.
Next row: Knit 1 row.
Decrease row: k1, then (k2tog) 9 times. 9 sts dec. 10 sts rem.
Next row: K2tog 5 times. 5 sts dec. 5 sts rem.
Next row: K2tog, k1, k2tog. 2 sts dec. 3 sts rem.
Next row: Knit the last three stitches together. Tie off last stitch.
Finishing
Weave in ends, block, enjoy!
Abbreviations
CO cast on
dec decreased
K knit
K2tog knit 2 together
P purl
rem remain
rep repeat
yo yarn over
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Joanna Johnson is the author of the knitting storybooks, Phoebe’s Sweater and Freddie’s Blanket, which she publishes with her illustrator husband, Eric, through their independent publishing company, Slate Falls Press. They live in Loveland, Colorado, with their three children, who offer continual inspiration for their stories. The Johnsons are happily working on their third children’s book, Phoebe’s Birthday. You can learn more about their books at Slate Falls Press.
All photography by Christa Tippmann