As the days grow longer and the first blossoms begin to appear, there’s no better time to cast on something fresh and full of possibility. This shawl was designed with spring as our inspiration, a season of gentle change, unfolding beauty, and quiet transformation. It’s time to get cozy with our new lace shawl knitting pattern, the Step Into Lace Shawl Knitalong (KAL)!
Challenge yourself to step into lace knitting without the overwhelm in this FREE 9-week shawl knitalong! Join us to knit a beautiful, versatile shawl while learning lace step by step, from simple eyelets to 9 more structured stitch patterns alongside knitters around the world.
Using just four colors, you’ll create 8 gorgeous stripes and 1 pretty divider to form your own stunning knit lace shawl.
No time right now? Pin this free lace knit shawl knitting pattern for later!
*This post contains affiliate links (only for products I love, use and spend my own money on obviously). This means I earn some yarn money if you make a purchase through one of these links (of course at no extra cost for you!), which I promise to use to create more awesome patterns like this one. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.
What is a Knit-Along (aka KAL)?
A knit-along is an event where knitters from around the world work on the same pattern together. They can take a lot of forms and shapes but the common thread is always a community helping each other and learning together.
If you’re new to knit-alongs, don’t worry! They might look intimidating but they are a great opportunity to learn and lots of fun!
Sign Up to Join the KAL
If you haven’t done so already make sure you signup for the free KAL starting 25 March 2026 and join us in this FREE 9-week lace knitalong
Join us to discover new techniques and craft this beautiful airy lace shawl alongside knitters around the world.
How Does the Step Into Lace Shawl Knit-Along Work?
Every Wednesday during the KAL (March 25 – May 20, 2026) one new section design will be released on the blog and be viewable on the website for free. Make sure to bookmark this page (or signup for the KAL above), this is where you’ll find all the links to the different section’s of the knit-along shawl pattern instructions.
Each section comes with written instructions and a video tutorial. Stitch chart are for all 8 lace stripe sections.
Upgrade Your Knit-Along Experience
We know not everyone likes to jump around the website to follow the KAL or prefers to have their patterns without any ads so I have put together an eBook for the Step into Lace Shawl KAL which includes all the 9 different lace stitch sections knitting patterns. With over 40 pages of detailed instructions, step-by-step tutorials for any special stitches (as well as charts and videos) the knit lace shawl ebook is very convenient to follow along.
In addition the ebook, you can choose to upgrade to the Journey Pass for the FULL Knitalong experience with ad-free access to the videos, a 30-day free trial to the Stitching Squad as well as 1 bonus stripe designs!
You can already get a head start and upgrade here.
Whether:
- You don’t want to wait until March 25th to get started
- You don’t want to have to wait for each section to be released
- You don’t want to jump around the website to follow the different section’s instructions
- You just want to get the patterns without ads
- You want the extra guidance and support
- You’d like more section options to make your shawl truly unique
- Or you just want to get the entire pattern to make at a later date
The upgrade is for you!
Share Your Progress and Join the Community
The community for the Step into Lace Shawl KAL is held in the Make with Yarn Facebook Group. Join the group to share your progress and see everyone else’s blankets. This is also the perfect place to ask any questions and get advice. Don’t be shy, it’s a really lovely community of knitters.
More ways to share your progress:
- Use hashtag #StepIntoLaceShawlKAL and tag me @knittingwithchopstick
- Add your project to Ravelry
What You’ll Need for the Step into Lace Shawl Free Knitting Pattern?
Materials List
- 4 mm / US 6 knitting needles
- DK weight yarn: LB Collection® Superwash Merino Yarn (100% superwash merino wool, 100g/3.5oz, 280m/306yd): You will need about 1 skein in each of the following colorways:
- Antique [486-098K]
- Terracotta [486-134S]
- Elm [486-171W]
- Hemp [486-123U]
- Tapestry needle
- Scissor
- Optional: markers to help you keep track of repeats and edging stitches
Grab the Kit
I’ve teamed up with Lion Brand to offer you kits for the Step Into Lace Shawl KAL.
You will get the EBOOK PDF and the selected yarn kit all in one purchase!
As we know picking beautiful color combinations to work well together while highlighting the beautiful textured of lace knit stitches can quickly become a real headache. To help you visualize some colors together, I have put together four specially curated color combinations examples for you to choose from.
Here’s a short video to show you how to adjust the colors in your kit:
Option 1: Sample Colors
LB Collection® Superwash Merino Yarn (Light / DK (3), 100% Extra Fine Wool, 100g/3.5oz, 280m/306yd): You will need:
- 1 skein Antique [486-098K]
- 1 skein Terracotta [486-134S]
- 1 skein Elm [486-171W]
- 1 skein Hemp [486-123U]
Option 2: Icy Purple
LB Collection® Superwash Merino Yarn (Light / DK (3), 100% Extra Fine Wool, 100g/3.5oz, 280m/306yd): You will need:
- 1 skein Quail [486-144AL]
- 1 skein Ice [486-150AP]
- 1 skein Denim [486-108G]
- 1 skein Antique [486-098K]
Option 4: Summer Vibes
LB Collection® Superwash Merino Yarn (Light / DK (3), 100% Extra Fine Wool, 100g/3.5oz, 280m/306yd): You will need:
- 1 skeins of Mustard Seed [486-158Y]
- 1 skeins Terracotta [486-134S]
- 1 skein Denim [486-108G]
- 1 skeins Antique [486-098K]
Option 4: Forest
LB Collection® Superwash Merino Yarn (Light / DK (3), 100% Extra Fine Wool, 100g/3.5oz, 280m/306yd): You will need:
- 1 skein Hunter [486-132S]
- 1 skein Mushroom [486-122N]
- 1 skein Hemp [486-123U]
- 1 skein Antique [486-098K]
The Yarn
The Step into Lace Shawl KAL is worked in LB Collection® Superwash Merino Yarn, a DK weight (category 3) yarn.
It’s a superwash merino, which means it blocks beautifully… but it also tends to grow. So don’t skip blocking your swatch, and be thoughtful when you block the finished shawl too.
If you’re swapping yarns, always check the label and follow the washing instructions. Some superwash yarns actually need a quick tumble dry to bounce back into shape.
And as always, check your gauge. If it’s off, adjust your needle size before you get too far in.
Non Wool Alternatives
If you’re allergic to wool or the person you intend to gift your shawl too is, here are some good alternative yarns to choose from:
- Hobbii Amigo – 50g skeins so will need to look at yardage carefully!
- Lion Brand Coboo – blocks beautifully and great drape but much heavier (not thicker)
- Knit Picks Brava Baby DK
More or Less Colors?
What if you want to make the Step into Lace Shawl KAL with more or less colors?
Great idea! As each stripe has a different stitch design, it will look great in one or up to 10 colors.
You will need about 28g/78m/85yd per section and 5g/14m/15yd per divider section plus another 19g/53m/58yd for the start and end ribbing worked in the sample in the same color as the dividers.
Note: Keep in mind that these are approximate yardages, make sure to have some extra.
Size
The Step into Lace Shawl KAL is designed to be 40 cm/15.75” wide and 200 cm/78.75” long.
It can easily be adjusted! Individual stitch multiples for each section are given in the section instructions but you can:
- Add a multiple of 72 st to make it wider
- Skip Part 7 (multiple of 18) and work with any multiple of 24 st + 12 st (for the ribbed edging).
- In length you can easily add or remove a part to reach your preferred length.
Each section is approximately 22 cm/8.5” high and 40 cm/15.75” wide after blocking, while the divider sections in between each lace section are 2 cm/0.75” high. The end ribbings add an extra 8 cm/3” to the shawl length.
Gauge
The blocked gauge for this shawl is 21 st and 25 rows for a 10 cm by 10 cm / 4” by 4” square in one of the lace stitch patterns.
The shawl is designed with 4 mm / US 6 knitting needles.
Although the exact size (and therefore gauge) isn’t critical for a shawl, superwash and lace both grow a lot so make sure to check after blocking. All measurements given are blocked.
If you need help figuring out your gauge and how to adjust your needle size, here is a detailed tutorial on gauge.
If you want to get a head start and already make a gauge swatch, you can make a swatch using the lace stitch in this pattern as a basis: https://knittingwithchopsticks.com/open-skies-top-t-shirt-knitting-pattern/.
Don’t worry if you don’t, the shawl is a simple rectangle so it makes it very forgiving on gauge.
Level
The knitalong shawl is an adventurous beginner to intermediate level knit shawl pattern. It is designed to introduce you to lace knitting, building up skills section per section.
Step-by-step video tutorials and charts are provided for any special stitches featured. This is a great project to go beyond basic knits and purls.
Borders and Edges
To avoid any curling etc., a 1×1 ribbing stitch border is built into the shawl design throughout each section. The first and last 6 stitches are worked in simple k1, p1 ribbing.
Tip: Add a stitch marker beforethe 6 last stitches on each end to mark the border.
The first stitch of every row is slipped to get a beautiful shawl edge.
Each section starts with 2 plain rows of stockinette to avoid the lace pattern distorting the divider section.
These are all worked into the patterns below and worked in the same color as the section’s color.
Video Tutorials
Find all the video tutorial for the Step into Lace Shawl KAL on my Youtube channel. These will be added throughout the live KAL running March 25 to May 20, 2026.
General Notes
- This shawl maintains the same stitch count throughout. If your stitch count changes, it means a yarn over or decrease was missed or added accidentally. Always double-check at the end of right-side rows.
- Don’t worry if sections look slightly different in height before blocking. Lace opens differently depending on the stitch pattern. Final size is achieved during blocking.
- How to Sl1p at the beginning of each row:
Step into Lace Shawl KAL Sections
Part 1: Eyelet Divider
This first section, the Eyelet Divider introduces a simple yet elegant eyelet design that adds texture and flow to your project. Find the complete part 1 free knitting pattern here.
Part 2: Vertical Zig Zag Lace
In this second section, Vertical Zig Zag Lace, you’ll create an elegant zig-zag eyelet pattern that gives your project a light, airy, eye-catching look. Find the complete part 2 free knitting pattern here.
Part 3: Quatrefoil Eyelet Lace
In this 3rd section, Quatrefoil Eyelet Lace, with it’s delicate, repeating motif and airy design, this pattern creates a fabric that feels both timeless and intricate. Find the complete part 3 free knitting pattern here.
Part 4: Openwork Diamond Lace
In this 4th section, Openwork Diamond Lace, is a beautifully delicate pattern that adds texture and elegance to any knitting project. Find the complete part 4 free knitting pattern here.
