Balbec is a stunning showstopper with its drapey wings and the geometric lace border. Go big with the dk version or knit a delicate version in fingering yarn, maybe even choose two colours.

The shawl is knitted top down and starts with a No-Bump Cast-On to reduce the “bump” at the top that often occurs with crescent-shaped shawls. After the Garter Section a textured part is worked. The Star-Stitch Insert increases the stitchcount significantly, ensuring a large wingspan and good drape. After that, a section of cabled lace is added. The shawl is finished with a small garter band and a Picot Bind-Off.

Yarn: The Fibre Company DK, 90% wool, 10% mohair; 216 m /236 yards per 100 g; shown in colour Buttermere

Wollfaktor Liebelei, 100% merino, 366 m / 400 yards per 100 g; shown in colours Light Blue (MC) and Off-White (CC)
(This yarn is discontinued unfortunately, most handdyed merino yarns have a very similar yardage and weigth and can be used as a substitute.)

Yardage for sample: approx. 560 m / 634 yards of dk yarn (large version)
approx. 445 m / 486 yards of fingering yarn (small version; 278 m / 304 yards of MC and 165 m /180 yards of CC)

You may substitute with any yarn that knits up to gauge. Please keep in mind that differences in gauge affect yardage; so make sure you have enough yarn to finish your project!

Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7, circular needle, cable 80 cm/32” or longer (dk yarn)
3.5 mm/US 4, circular needle, cable 80 cm/32” or longer (fingering yarn)
cable needle

Notions: stitchmarkers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, , pins for blocking

Gauge: 14 stitches/21 rows in textured pattern stitch, after washing and blocking with relaxed fabric

Dimensions: (wingspan and depth)
large version: 200x50 cm / 78.75x20.75 inches
small version: 170x35 cm / 67x14 inches

Pattern is both written and charted.

A big Thank you to my testers, who have knitted such beautiful versions of this shawl!