In Jane Austen’s day, warm rectangular shawls and wraps complemented filmy Regency dresses, and among the most popular designs was the Paisley shawl. The pattern was woven in Paisley, Scotland, with modified looms that could produce textiles with up to five colors, simulating the colorful hand embroidery of the boteh shape (now called Paisley) on shawls from Kashmir and India. Reinterpreted into lace knitting, the Boteh Shawl showcases Regency style for a modern age. Texture replaces color using an innovative combination of lace and cables that allows each motif to stand out plainly against the reverse stockinette background. Like most Regency Paisley shawls, this elegant wrap features patterned panels at both ends and a plain center.

Gauge: 27 sts and 36 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch, relaxed after blocking; 36 to 44 sts of paisley charts measure about 5 1/4” wide, relaxed after blocking.