Gracie Knit Lace Shawl: Easy Bulky Yarn Tutorial

Updated at: 15/03/2025

Wrap yourself in the cozy elegance of a hand-knitted Gracie Knit Lace Shawl, a project surprisingly accessible even for beginners! This stunning shawl, crafted with bulky yarn, boasts a beautiful lace pattern that belies its simplicity. Forget the tedious hours of intricate stitching; this tutorial focuses on a streamlined approach, utilizing easy-to-learn techniques to achieve a sophisticated, eye-catching result. The generous size and warm texture make it the perfect accessory for chilly evenings, adding a touch of handmade charm to any outfit.

Forget complicated charts and confusing instructions. This tutorial provides a clear and concise guide to knitting your own Gracie Knit Lace Shawl, using readily available bulky yarn. Get ready to dive into the step-by-step process, complete with photos and helpful tips, that will have you happily knitting your way to a beautiful, wearable masterpiece in no time. Let’s get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 9mm knitting needles
  • Bulky weight yarn
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp scissors to cut yarn; avoid pulling strands, which can cause fraying or damage to the finished project.
  • Always check your gauge before beginning the project to ensure the final dimensions match the pattern. Using the wrong gauge will alter the size and drape of the shawl.
  • Be mindful of your yarn's fiber content and care instructions. Follow washing and drying recommendations to maintain the shawl's quality and longevity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Casting On

    • Cast on 15 stitches using your preferred method (long tail cast on shown in video).
    Cast on 15 stitches using your preferred method (long tail cast on shown in video).
    Casting On

  2. Initial Rows (Set-up)

    • Knit across all stitches.
    • Knit one, purl to the last stitch, knit one.
    • Knit one, yarn over, knit one, repeat across, knit one.
    • Knit across all stitches.
    Rows 4-5: Knit across all stitches.Rows 4-5: Knit across all stitches.Rows 4-5: Knit across all stitches.Rows 4-5: Knit across all stitches.Rows 4-5: Knit across all stitches.Rows 4-5: Knit across all stitches.Rows 4-5: Knit across all stitches.
    Initial Rows (Set-up)
    • Knit one, purl to last stitch, knit one.
    • Knit one, yarn over, knit one, repeat across, knit one.
    • Repeat rows 4-6.
    Rows 8-10: Repeat rows 4-6.Rows 8-10: Repeat rows 4-6.Rows 8-10: Repeat rows 4-6.Rows 8-10: Repeat rows 4-6.
    Initial Rows (Set-up)

  3. Increase Row 1

    • Knit one, knit one, yarn over, knit one (all in the same stitch), knit one, repeat across, knit one.
    Row 11: Knit one, knit one, yarn over, knit one (all in the same stitch), knit one, repeat across, knit one.
    Increase Row 1

  4. Repeat Rows 4-6

    • Repeat rows 4-6.
    Rows 12-14: Repeat rows 4-6.Rows 12-14: Repeat rows 4-6.
    Repeat Rows 4-6

  5. Increase Row 2

    • Knit two, knit one, yarn over, knit one (all in same stitch), knit two, repeat across, knit one.
    Row 15: Knit two, knit one, yarn over, knit one (all in same stitch), knit two, repeat across, knit one.Row 15: Knit two, knit one, yarn over, knit one (all in same stitch), knit two, repeat across, knit one.
    Increase Row 2

  6. Repeat Rows 4-6

    • Repeat rows 4-6.
    Rows 16-18: Repeat rows 4-6.
    Repeat Rows 4-6

  7. Decrease Row 1

    • Knit two together, knit one, yarn over, knit one, twice, yarn over, knit one, slip, slip, knit, repeat across, knit one.
    Row 19: Knit two together, knit one, yarn over, knit one, twice, yarn over, knit one, slip, slip, knit, repeat across, knit one.Row 19: Knit two together, knit one, yarn over, knit one, twice, yarn over, knit one, slip, slip, knit, repeat across, knit one.
    Decrease Row 1

  8. Repeat Rows 4-6

    • Repeat rows 4-6.
    Rows 20-22: Repeat rows 4-6.
    Repeat Rows 4-6

  9. Increase Row 3

    • Knit three, knit one, yarn over, knit one (all in the next stitch), knit three, repeat across, knit one.
    Row 23: Knit three, knit one, yarn over, knit one (all in the next stitch), knit three, repeat across, knit one.Row 23: Knit three, knit one, yarn over, knit one (all in the next stitch), knit three, repeat across, knit one.
    Increase Row 3

  10. Repeat Rows 4-6

    • Repeat rows 4-6.
    Rows 24-26: Repeat rows 4-6.
    Repeat Rows 4-6

Read more: Knitting a Reversible Basketweave Blanket: A Customizable Guide

Tips

  • Use stitch markers to easily follow the pattern's instructions, although the video demonstrates without them.
  • Switch to longer circular needles as needed to prevent stitches from becoming too tight.
  • Utilize both written instructions and charts for easier navigation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the knitting leads to a wavy or misshapen shawl.
Solution: Practice maintaining consistent tension by knitting at a steady pace and keeping your yarn tension relaxed but not loose.

2. Incorrectly Counting Rows or Stitches

Reason: Losing count of rows or stitches can lead to mismatched lace patterns or an overall incorrect size.
Solution: Use stitch markers to mark important points in the pattern and regularly check your row count against the pattern instructions.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of yarn than bulky yarn for this shawl?
While bulky yarn is recommended for its ease and speed of knitting, you can experiment with other yarn weights. However, using a lighter weight yarn will significantly increase the knitting time and potentially alter the drape and overall size of the shawl. You'll need to adjust the needle size accordingly and may need more yarn.