My First Lace Shawl
Anna Dalvi
Class Preview
- In-depth Instruction; over 177 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction & Gauge Swatching
32:50
Meet lace shawl designer Anna Dalvi and learn more about the beautiful Waterspout shawl you'll be making. Then dive right into building your chart-reading skills as you knit a swatch that includes lace patterning. Gauge is not so important with a shawl project, but the swatch will help you judge the weight and drape of the fabric, whether you knit with fingering yarn or even a worsted.
Casting On & Establishing Pattern
24:49
See how to cast on for your shawl with the traditional garter tab cast-on or Anna's less-fussy alternative. Both methods start with just a few stitches at the center top of the shawl. From there, you'll begin working out and down, establishing the pattern of stitches with Anna's guidance.
Beginning the Lace Pattern
25:07
Your shawl starts with stockinette stitches surrounding a center lace panel, then moves into full-on lace. With Anna's patient instruction, you'll see how to follow the lace pattern on a chart, knitting the increases, decreases, yarn overs and more. Anna also explains how to add new yarn at the edge of your shawl or with a Russian join in the middle.
Simple Mistakes Along the Way
28:05
Every knitter makes mistakes, so you're bound to make a few as you knit your shawl. But Anna will arm you with ways to fix those mistakes without having to start over from the beginning. Learn how to tink back to a mistake or drop down to fix a stitch on a previous row. You'll also learn about a critical tool for lace knitting: the lifeline.
Fixing a Section
29:23
You might discover a larger mistake that requires changing an entire section. Before you rip back to a lifeline (or frog the entire project in frustration), see how you can drop stitches and reknit just a small section of your shawl, either in the middle or on the edge.
Completing the Shawl
14:33
Your shawl is almost done! Follow along with Anna as you work through the last few rows of the lace pattern and then use a lace bind-off for a super-stretchy edge. Then see the best way to weave in the loose ends of your yarn so they don't show.
Blocking & Care
21:14
Your finished shawl will look all lumpy and bumpy until you block it. Learn how to use blocking wires or waste yarn to get smooth curves on your edges, and how to pin out the points of your shawl to get the shape you want. Anna demonstrates how you can alter your shawl's layout whenever you want simply by blocking it again. You'll get lots of shawl looks in one!
Even if you’re a beginner, you can learn how to knit a shawl featuring lovely lace. Join instructor Anna Dalvi in her online Craftsy class to knit the ethereal Waterspout shawl and conquer lace knitting techniques along the way! During class, Anna will give you an important array of skills and options so you can choose which are handiest for you. Follow Anna’s guidance to manage the garter-tab cast-on without fear and learn her fuss-free alternative to get comfortable working increases to create the triangular shape of your shawl. Then, knit your lace and see how easy it can be to read charts, use lifelines and fix any mistakes without having to rip out your whole shawl! Anna will conclude with insider techniques for dealing with ends and finishing your fabric to perfection with your best blocking. When class is over, not only will you have an amazing shawl, you’ll also have the skills you need to create lace you’ll love, every time!
Anna Dalvi
Anna Dalvi has published knitting patterns for the Web since 2007 and is the author of five knitting books, with subjects ranging from lace shawls to fingerless gloves. In her own knitting, she enjoys variety above all other things, treating knitting as an exciting exploration of texture and color. Anna loves traveling the world as an instructor, teaching at stores, retreats and mystery knit-alongs.
Bonus materials available after purchase