Light Falls draws on the contradictions that typify the Nordic Spring, when the intensifying sunlight falls on both crisp snow and emerging flower buds. A simple palette offsets a botanically inspired stitch pattern, and clever use of negative space ensures a little yarn will go a long way. The resulting fabric is textured, lightweight, and drapes beautifully.

SIZE
Approx. 15x15cm / 6”x6”

CONSTRUCTION
This square is worked in the round, starting with a magic circle. Each round is joined with a slipped stitch.
Note: This square may be used to practice the lace stitch pattern in the Light Falls Shawl. As it is worked in the round and with a lighter yarn, however, it should not be used as an accurate gauge swatch.

YARN
This design works best with a robust, plump yarn that will hold its shape and show off those pretty cluster stitches. I recommend using a non-superwash fingering weight wool that will bloom (fluff up) with blocking. Cotton and linen (blend) yarns are also nice; They will produce a crisper finish. Very “hairy” yarns such as alpaca or mohair will result in a beautifully soft, drapey square, but the definition of the cluster stitches might be lost.

Yarn suggestions
John Arbon Harvest Hues 4-ply (fingering weight; 100% NSW wool; 400m / 437yds per 100g)
Blacker Yarns Lionesse 4-ply (fingering weight; 50% linen, 50 % NSW wool; 174 m / 190yds per 50g)
Manos Del Uruguay Serena (sport weight; 60% alpaca, 40% cotton; 155m / 170yds per 50g)

Yardage required
Approx. 35m / 40yds of fingering weight yarn per square

HOOKS, NEEDLES + NOTIONS
2.5mm and 2.0mm hooks
Wool needle
Note: I use a small hook to work my granny squares to a fairly tight tension. This ensures they look crisp and neat. This can be a bit tough on the fingers, however, especially if using cotton or linen yarn. Take regular breaks, or feel free to change the hook size to whatever you are comfortable with. Do bear in mind the amount of yarn needed per square may be affected if your tension is significantly different.

TECHNIQUES TO ENJOY
Cluster stitches
Filet lace
Standing Start Stitch
Working in the round

PATTERN INCLUDES
Clear written instructions in UK terms
Stitch diagram
UK to US term conversion chart