Knit a shawl that feels full of movement, meaning, and possibility with Looking Up Crescent Shawlette from A Needle Pulling Thread Issue 65. Designed by Nancy Lekx, this graceful project is a lovely way to enjoy lace knitting while creating a piece that feels both elegant and uplifting. I love the colour pop!
What immediately drew me to this design is the beautiful lace border. The stitch pattern creates rows of arrows that suggest a positive direction in life and a bright future, which makes it such a perfect fit for this issue. If you love projects that tell a story through stitch pattern and shape, this one is especially rewarding.
skill level Intermediate
time A satisfying shawlette project to enjoy over several knitting sessions
ideal for Lace knitters, shawl lovers, and anyone who enjoys a project with elegant detail and meaning
you will practice Lace knitting from a chart and written instructions, short row shaping, knitting flat on a circular needle, optional bead placement, and creating a crescent shape
finished size One size, 57” curved wingspan x 11” deep at center back [145 x 28cm]
Looking Up Crescent Shawlette knitting pattern by Nancy Lekx for ANPTmag Issue 65; photo by Carla A. Canonico
This pattern was featured in ANPTmag Issue 65, themed Bright Futures. This issue embraces the transformative power of needlework and celebrates colorful projects filled with positivity and hope. It also explores techniques that help makers use color, text, and imagery in meaningful ways across quilting, sewing, embroidery, and knitting.
From the ANPTmag website, the lace stitch pattern on the border of this small crescent shawlette creates rows of arrows to suggest a positive direction in life and a bright future. The points of those arrows can be accentuated with optional beads, and the shawlette is knit flat from the bottom up. A circular needle is used to hold the growing stitch count, while the lace border is worked straight and the crescent shaping is formed with short rows in the stockinette section. It is designed to be worn as a scarf under a coat or draped over the shoulders on a cool summer evening.
I especially love how this project combines delicate lace with thoughtful construction. You get the beauty of a decorative border, the interest of short row shaping, and the option to add beads for even more sparkle and texture. It is one of those projects that feels peaceful to knit and stunning to wear.
Get the Looking Up Crescent Shawlette pattern here.
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/looking-up-crescent-shawlette/
Get ANPTmag Issue 65 print version here.
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-65-print-version/
Get ANPTmag Issue 65 digital version here.
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-65-digital-version/
I also had fun making Nancy’s design my own. I knit my version using a worsted weight yarn instead of the recommended gauge, and I added beads to enhance the look even more. Because of that yarn choice, my shawlette grew into a larger shawl, which was exactly my intention. It is such a great example of how dramatically a project can change when you adjust yarn weight, gauge, or embellishment. A few thoughtful changes can transform the scale, drape, and overall personality of a design while still honoring the beauty of the original pattern.
My version of Nancy Lekx’s Looking Up Crescent Shawlette knitting pattern; photo by Carla A. Canonico
Would you knit this lovely shawl as a delicate shawlette, or would you be tempted to change the yarn and turn it into a larger statement piece too?
Looking Up Crescent Shawlette knitting pattern by Nancy Lekx for ANPTmag Issue 65; photo by Carla A. Canonico
Join me next week to find out which inspiring ANPTmag knitting project I’ll share with you!
