Lois Shawl 92288 Free Pattern – Knit a Heirloom Lace Crescent

Wrap yourself in the timeless elegance of the Lois Shawl, a crescent-shaped knit featuring delicate lace panels and a soft, romantic drape. This free pattern guides you through creating a versatile heirloom piece perfect for cool evenings or special occasions. Whether you're a seasoned lace knitter or a confident beginner ready for a rewarding challenge, this shawl is a joy to create and a treasure to wear.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Fingering weight yarn (e.g., Malabrigo Sock, 100% superwash merino, 440 yards per skein) – 2 skeins (approx. 880 yards). The sample uses a warm, dusty rose color, but any fingering weight yarn will work beautifully.
• Needle: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular knitting needle, 32-inch or longer. The long circular needle is essential to accommodate the growing number of stitches.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Gauge is important for achieving the correct size and drape, but since this is a shawl, slight variations are acceptable.
• Other Tools: Stitch markers (4), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking mats and pins, and a gentle wool wash for finishing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked from the top center outwards, increasing on both sides of a central spine. All lace patterns are described in the text below. Blocking is essential to open up the lace and achieve the full size, so don't skip that final step!

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together
• ssk = slip slip knit
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Setup

Cast on 5 stitches. Knit 6 rows (garter stitch). Then pick up and knit 3 stitches along the side edge, and 5 stitches from the cast-on edge – total 13 stitches. Place markers as follows: k3, pm, k1 (center stitch), pm, k3, pm, k1 (center stitch), pm, k3 – you have 4 markers, with 3 stitches at each edge, and 2 center stitches.

Increase Section (Rows 1-20)

This section establishes the crescent shape by increasing on both sides of the center stitches and at the edges.

Row 1 (RS): k3, yo, knit to marker, yo, sm, k1, yo, knit to next marker, yo, sm, k1, yo, knit to last 3 stitches, yo, k3. (8 increases)

Row 2 (WS): k3, purl to last 3 stitches, k3.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until you have 20 stitches between each set of markers (total 83 stitches). End with a WS row.

Lace Pattern Section

Now work the lace pattern on the two side panels, keeping the center spine and edge stitches in garter/stockinette as established. The lace pattern creates a beautiful diamond and eyelet motif that gives the shawl its airy, delicate texture.

Row 1 (RS): k3, yo, *k1, yo, k2tog, k3, ssk, yo, k1* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch before marker, k1, yo, sm, k1, yo, repeat from * to * on second panel, ending with yo, k3.

Row 2 (WS): k3, purl to last 3 stitches, k3.

Row 3 (RS): k3, yo, *k2, yo, k2tog, k1, ssk, yo, k2* repeat to marker, yo, sm, k1, yo, repeat on second panel, end yo, k3.

Row 4 (WS): as Row 2.

Row 5 (RS): k3, yo, *k3, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k3* repeat to marker, yo, sm, k1, yo, repeat on second panel, end yo, k3.

Row 6 (WS): as Row 2.

Row 7 (RS): k3, yo, *k4, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k4* repeat to marker, yo, sm, k1, yo, repeat on second panel, end yo, k3.

Row 8 (WS): as Row 2.

Row 9 (RS): k3, yo, *k5, yo, k2tog, ssk, yo, k5* repeat to marker, yo, sm, k1, yo, repeat on second panel, end yo, k3.

Row 10 (WS): as Row 2.

Repeat Rows 1-10 until the shawl measures approximately 20 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. You may need to adjust the number of repeats to achieve your desired size – the beauty of this pattern is its flexibility.

Edging

Work a picot bind-off to create a delicate scalloped edge that beautifully complements the lace pattern:

k2, *k2tog, yo, k2tog, pass first stitch over second, k1* repeat from * to * across the row. This creates a lovely, airy finish that echoes the lace motifs throughout the shawl.

Finishing

Weave in all ends carefully using a tapestry needle. Soak the shawl in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring – this can felt the wool). Lay flat on a towel, roll up to remove more water, then pin out to shape on a blocking mat, stretching the lace points to open up the pattern. Allow to dry completely before unpinning.

Once dry, your Lois Shawl is ready to wear! The crescent shape drapes beautifully over the shoulders, and the lace pattern catches the light with every movement. This heirloom piece will be treasured for years to come – and with this free pattern, you can knit one for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift for someone special.

Happy knitting!