PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS IS A CHARTED DESIGN.

This shawl is composed entirely of traditional Estonian lace stitch patterns and motifs and illustrates the typical Estonian mixture of texture and airiness. The high texture is provided by the nupps (bobbles) which are present in the centre of the shawl and on two of the borders and this is complemented by the airiness of the traditional stitch patterns and edging. It makes for a very special heirloom Christening shawl to be used and treasured for generations to come.

The shawl is worked by first knitting the centre flat and then picking up stitches and working in the round for the borders and edging. Circular needles from 60cm to 120cm in length provide room for the stitches as the shawl grows.

The nupps emphasise the motifs perfectly and, for those who have a fear of nupps, details are included in the pattern of two easier than standard methods to make the nupps.

The centre of this shawl and one of the border patterns require cabling. In fact, the centre pattern includes cabling both at the front and the back of the work, so two cable needles are required.

At 54” square, this shawl could also perhaps be used as a very special tablecloth. Indeed, its use doesn’t have to be limited to a Christening Shawl especially when knitted in colours other than white.

Those who prefer a rectangular stole rather than the square of the Christening Shawl, might like to consider the Estonian Lace Stole which uses some of the stitch patterns and motifs of the Christening Shawl.

There is a Ravelry group for people interested in knitting the Estonian Lace Christening Shawl and/or the Estonian Lace Stole. The group is useful for questions about the patterns and the techniques used, sharing experiences and showing off shawls/stoles in progress and completion. It is an open-ended KAL, so people can join and cast on whenever they wish!