When I started publishing patterns in mid-2010, I was eager to find my own voice and to explore my personal creativity and style. To develop ideas that felt distinctly mine. By early 2011, I’d published a few patterns, and a design question emerged: What if I worked a triangular shawl from the bottom point upward, instead of using a traditional garter tab cast on?

I cast on Alivia with that specific idea in mind. I wanted the lace to develop naturally as the shawl’s size increased, without the typical center spine. The bottom-up construction gave me exactly what I was looking for and kept the center clean and whole.

The first version came together in three days—faster than I anticipated—in a beautiful aqua-colored silk/merino fingering weight yarn. When I blocked it, the lace opened up with gorgeous drape, light and fluid. It was exactly what I’d imagined. At the same time, my brother-in-law and his wife were experimenting with dyeing yarn. They’d given me a tight twist merino in a gorgeous berry tone that I knew would be perfect for this shawl too.

But rather than making the same shawl again, I saw the opportunity to explore something else. Since the beginning of my design journey, I’d loved giving knitters options, and I wondered, what if I swapped the lace center for garter stitch? I made a second sample and, just like the first, it was quick and satisfying to knit, but each one had its own personality. The garter center version was understated and meditative, while the lace center version was layered in texture and visual interest.

The best part? One version didn’t mean sacrificing the other. I could offer something for the lace lover and something for the knitter seeking an easier entry point to lace. Two distinct looks, both inviting you to make it your own.

What makes this shawl special

• Striking edging, two center options. A prominent diamond lace motif anchors the bottom, with a complementary geometric lace motif along the sides. Pick your center—lace or garter stitch—and knit what matches your style.

• A lace pattern for all knitters. If you’ve been thinking about tackling lace but want something with a clear structure to follow, Alivia meets you there. The bottom-up construction keeps the lace repeating in a logical way. For seasoned lace knitters, it’s a simpler but modern design.

• Works across yarn weights. Designed in fingering weight but takes beautifully to lace weight, sport weight, and even DK. The motifs scale naturally, and the drape stays gorgeous across the range.

• Customizable depth and width. Keep repeating the main chart for your chosen center until you’re almost out of yarn. This is genuinely a one-skein project where your yarn dictates the final dimensions.

What you get

A beautiful, instant-download PDF with everything you need to knit Alivia:

• Fully written instructions alongside detailed charts.
• Pattern notes throughout to guide you through the construction.
• Directions for both versions in the same pattern.

Pattern support comes with your purchase. If you have questions or hit a snag while you’re knitting, I’m always happy to help.

The Knitty-Gritty

Description
Alivia is a unique, triangular shawl worked from the bottom point to the upper edge. The beautiful lace border remains the focal point of the shawl and with two center stitch options, it can be worn either formally or casually. Modifying the size of the shawl to use less or more yarn, or a different weight of yarn, is as easy as repeating the second chart fewer or more times.

Finished Measurements

• Lace Center Version: 54” (137 cm) wide; 23” (58 cm) deep

• Garter Stitch Center Version: 50” (127 cm) wide; 19” (48 cm) deep

Yarn

380 yards (347 meters) or more fingering weight yarn

Magenta shawl (garter stitch center) pictured used a plied, merino, fingering weight yarn.

Aqua shawl (lace center) pictured used a plied, silk/merino, fingering weight yarn.

Needles

US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 32” (80 cm), or size to obtain gauge or desired fabric

Gauge

22.5 sts and 33 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, unblocked

Getting exact gauge is not critical, but it will affect the amount of yarn needed for your shawl.

Notions

• (2) Stitch markers
• (1) Split-ring or locking stitch marker (optional)
• (1) Needle 3–4 sizes larger
• Tapestry needle