Transpire Sideways Shawl Free Pattern – Knit a Breezy Lace Wrap

Imagine wrapping yourself in a cloud of botanical lace that feels like a gentle breeze on your shoulders. The Transpire Sideways Shawl is exactly that—an airy, crescent-shaped wrap knit sideways from tip to tip, featuring a rhythmic leaf-like lace pattern that's both meditative to knit and stunning to wear. Whether you're a seasoned lace knitter or a confident beginner ready for a beautiful challenge, this pattern offers a rewarding project with a delicate, organic finish. The crescent shape drapes beautifully, making it a versatile layer for cool evenings, beach sunsets, or cozy reading nooks.

This free pattern is designed to be accessible, with clear instructions and a repeating 12-row lace motif that builds into a breathtaking botanical web. Let's dive into the details and get you started on your new favorite shawl.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The right tools make all the difference in achieving that perfect drape and open lacework.

• Yarn: Fingering weight yarn (approx. 400-450 yards). For the best drape and stitch definition, choose a soft merino or silk blend. A solid or semi-solid color will showcase the lace pattern beautifully.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle, 32-inch or longer. The long cable is essential to accommodate the growing number of stitches as the shawl expands.
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 2), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking pins and mats for finishing.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Gauge is important for final size, but since this is a shawl, slight variations won't ruin the project—just adjust your yarn amount accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This shawl is knit sideways in one piece, starting at the left tip. The lace pattern is a 12-row repeat, with increases on RS rows to shape the crescent. Follow along carefully, and you'll be amazed at how quickly the pattern emerges.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise one at a time, then knit them together through back loops—left-leaning decrease)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Pattern Notes

• The shawl is worked in one piece, starting at the left tip.
• The lace pattern is a 12-row repeat, with increases on RS rows to shape the crescent.
• Always slip markers as you come to them.
• Work all WS rows as they appear: knit the first 2 and last 2 stitches, purl the stitches in between.

Setup

Cast on 3 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 (5 sts)

Row 2 (WS): k2, p1, k2 (5 sts)

Row 3 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 (9 sts)

Row 4 (WS): k2, p5, k2 (9 sts)

Begin Lace Pattern

Now you'll start the botanical lace motif. This 12-row repeat is the heart of the shawl.

Row 5 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k1 (13 sts)

Row 6 (WS): k2, p9, k2 (13 sts)

Row 7 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k1 (17 sts)

Row 8 (WS): k2, p13, k2 (17 sts)

Row 9 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k1 (21 sts)

Row 10 (WS): k2, p17, k2 (21 sts)

Row 11 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k7, yo, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k1 (25 sts)

Row 12 (WS): k2, p21, k2 (25 sts)

Increase Section

Now you'll shape the crescent by adding increases on every RS row. This creates the gentle curve that makes the shawl drape so beautifully.

Repeat Rows 5-12, but on every RS row, work an extra increase at the beginning and end of the row. Specifically, after the first k1, yo at the start of the row, and before the last yo, k1 at the end of the row, add another yo. This will add 2 stitches every RS row.

Continue this pattern until you have 85 stitches on the needle, ending with a WS row. Your shawl should now have a lovely crescent shape forming.

Body Section

Now you'll work the lace pattern without the extra increases. This section forms the main body of the shawl.

Repeat Rows 5-12 of the lace pattern (without the extra increases) until the shawl measures approximately 20 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. The stitch count will remain at 85 stitches throughout this section.

Decrease Section

Time to shape the other tip of the crescent. You'll now decrease on RS rows to mirror the increases you made at the beginning.

Work the lace pattern as established, but at the beginning of RS rows, work k1, ssk instead of k1, yo. At the end of RS rows, work k2tog, k1 instead of yo, k1. This will decrease 2 stitches every RS row.

Continue this pattern until you have 25 stitches remaining, ending with a WS row.

Final Lace Rows

Work Rows 5-12 of the lace pattern once more, but without any increases or decreases. The stitch count will stay at 25 stitches. This creates a beautiful, balanced finish to the lace motif.

Edging

The scalloped edging adds a delicate, finished look to your shawl.

Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k1 (25 sts)

Row 2 (WS): bind off loosely knitwise.

Finishing

The final steps are crucial for opening up the lace and achieving that ethereal, airy look.

1. Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle, being careful not to pull too tightly.
2. Soak the shawl in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for 20 minutes. This relaxes the fibers and allows the lace to bloom.
3. Gently squeeze out excess water—do not wring or twist, as this can felt the yarn.
4. Lay flat on a towel and roll up to remove more water. Press gently to absorb moisture.
5. Pin out to shape on blocking mats, stretching the lace pattern to open up the eyelets. Pay special attention to the scalloped edges and the leaf motifs.
6. Allow to dry completely before unpinning. This can take 24-48 hours depending on humidity.

Once dry, your Transpire Sideways Shawl is ready to wear! The delicate sage green color and botanical lace will create a stunning, organic accessory that's perfect for layering. The crescent shape drapes effortlessly over your shoulders, and the airy texture makes it ideal for transitional weather.

Happy knitting, and enjoy watching this beautiful lace pattern unfold row by row!