Ala Shawl

Meaning “wing” in Italian, Ala Shawl draws its inspiration from birds in flight. Both its shape and lace motifs are reminiscent of the wings spread out wide. The main stitch pattern is elegant and rhythmic, and especially shines in yarns that hold the blocking well.

The shawl is worked from tip to tip with increases along one edge for the first half of the pattern and mirrored decreases for the second. The delicate lace edging is worked at the same time with the body of the shawl. The pattern has instructions on making three different sizes. Directions are both charted and written out.

Sizes Small (Medium, Large)

• Wingspan 74 (90, 106)“ / 188 (228.5, 269)cm plus tassels
• Depth at the widest point 10.2 (13.4, 16.5)“ / 26 (34, 42)cm
• Shown in size Medium

Yarn

• Sample shawl: Kosho and Sensai from ITO held together, both in color Red
• For a Small (Medium, Large) shawl: Kosho (90% merino, 10% cashmere; 191yds / 175m / 25g), 2 (3, 4) cones; Sensai (60% mohair, 40% silk; 262yds / 240m / 20g), 2 (2, 3) skeins
• OR light fingering / heavy lace weight yarn held together with mohair or another fluff, 330 (520, 760)yds / 300 (475, 695)m each;
• OR heavy fingering weight yarn held single, same yardage as above

Needles

• US 4 / 3.5mm needles (straight or on a long cable) or the size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge

• 26 sts and 38 rows in 4” / 10cm in pattern, unblocked
• 23 sts and 36 rows in 4” / 10cm in pattern, blocked
• The gauge is not crucial for this pattern. However, note that it will affect the required yardage and the finished size of the shawl

Construction

• The shawl is worked flat from tip to tip. Increases made along one side on every other RS row shape the first half of the shawl, and mirrored decreases - the second.
• The left edge has slipped stitch selvedge, and the right features a small scalloped lace pattern worked at the same time with the body of the shawl.
• You can adjust the size of the finished shawl by making fewer or more repeats of the pattern.
• Optional tassels can be added for a more boho-inspired look.