Straif Shawl

Introducing our beautifully crafted DK-weight shawl knitting pattern, designed for knitters who love creating unique and textured pieces. This stunning shawl is knit from the top/back neck, gracefully working down to the hem. It features delightful and easy eyelet lace patterns that add a touch of elegance, complemented by charming bobbles that enhance the texture and visual interest of the design. Please note that the lace pattern is provided exclusively in charted form, making it a great choice for those who enjoy chart knitting. You will need approximately 615 yards of a DK-weight yarn to knit the project as written, ensuring a generous shawl that wraps comfortably around you.

The sample shawl was crafted using a luxurious 50/50 superwash merino/silk blend yarn, known for its beautiful drape and soft feel. When selecting your yarn, we recommend choosing one that has a similar quality, with a good drape and limited halo to ensure it blocks well and showcases the intricate lace patterns beautifully.

Inspired by the blackthorn tree, this shawl holds a special place in the history of the Ogham alphabet, where it is affectionately known as Straif. Also referred to as sloe plum due to its striking inky black fruit, the blackthorn is often called the fairy tree, wishing thorn, or mother of the woods. The berries of this remarkable tree not only provide nourishment for many species of birds but also serve as a source for making sloe gin—a traditional tonic revered for its medicinal properties and warming qualities, perfect for cold winter nights.

This pattern invites you to explore the world of lace knitting while connecting to the rich symbolism of the blackthorn tree. Whether you're an experienced knitter or an enthusiastic beginner ready to take on a new challenge, this DK-weight shawl is a delightful project that will enhance your knitting skills and adorn your wardrobe. Download your free or paid knitting pattern today and immerse yourself in the magical allure of this enchanting design!