Creating A Delicate Lace Wedding Shawl: A Step-By-Step Guide

Lace wedding shawls are a popular choice for brides and bridesmaids. They can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, faux fur, linen, tulle, and alpaca wool. Many patterns are available online, with some being simple and quick to make, while others are more intricate and time-consuming. Some shawls are available to buy ready-made, while others can be personalised or knitted from scratch.

Choosing a pattern

Difficulty

If you are a beginner, you should opt for a simpler pattern. More complex patterns with intricate lace details are better suited for those with more experience. It is important to choose a pattern that is achievable for you, especially if you are working with a time constraint.

Colour

The colour of the shawl is an important consideration. Traditionally, wedding shawls are white, but you can also find off-white or coloured options. If you want to add a hint of colour to your shawl, you can choose an off-white option or alter a traditional white pattern to include your desired colour.

Style

There are many different styles of lace wedding shawls to choose from. Some patterns feature zig-zags, ziggurats, or peacock feather-inspired lace motifs. Others incorporate beads for a sneaky way of keeping count of rows. If you are looking for something more solid, you can choose a pattern with both lace and more solid sections for a dramatic look.

Warmth

If you are looking for a shawl to provide warmth, choose a pattern with relatively solid lace, such as the Art Deco-ish Wedding Shawl Pattern, as this will be warmer than a pattern with more holes.

Personalization

You can also add a personal touch to your shawl by choosing a pattern that honours someone special to you. For example, the Tulip Design Shawl honours the designer's grandmother, and you could find a pattern that honours someone important in your life.

Selecting materials

Fabric Type

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of the shawl. Some popular options for wedding shawls include lace, tulle, chiffon, and alpaca wool. Lace, for example, can add a delicate and elegant touch to your outfit, while alpaca wool provides a soft and luxurious feel. Consider the climate and season of your wedding to ensure the fabric is suitable—you may want something lighter for a summer wedding and something warmer for a winter celebration.

Colour

Traditionally, wedding shawls are often white or ivory to match the bridal gown. However, you can also add a pop of colour to your outfit by choosing an off-white, beige, or blush shade. If you want to incorporate your wedding colours, consider adding a hint of lilac or pink to your shawl. For a bolder statement, you can even opt for darker shades like maroon or black. Keep in mind that the colour should complement your dress and the overall theme of your wedding.

Embellishments

Embellishments can add a touch of glamour and uniqueness to your lace wedding shawl. Beads, pearls, rhinestones, and embroidery are just a few options to elevate the design. For a more subtle approach, consider adding tassels or fringe to the edges of your shawl. These embellishments can enhance the movement and fluidity of the fabric as you walk down the aisle.

Yarn Type (for Knitted Shawls)

If you're knitting your own wedding shawl, the type of yarn you choose will impact the overall look and feel. Consider using fine or lightweight yarn for a delicate and airy fabric. For a warmer shawl, you can opt for a thicker yarn that will create a cozier texture. The colour and fibre of the yarn are also important considerations—you can match the yarn colour to your dress or choose a complementary shade. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, or wool are often popular choices for wedding shawls.

Fabric Weight

The weight of the fabric will influence the drape and flow of your shawl. A lighter weight fabric, such as chiffon or tulle, will create a soft and ethereal look. If you're looking for something with more structure and warmth, consider a medium-weight fabric like lace or alpaca wool. Keep in mind that the fabric weight should complement the style of your wedding dress and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Knitting techniques

If you're looking to knit a lace wedding shawl, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll want to choose a pattern that is achievable for your skill level and the amount of time you have to complete it. It's also important to consider the colour of the shawl – while white is the traditional wedding colour, you may want to choose an off-white shade or add a hint of colour to match the wedding theme.

• The Art Deco-ish Wedding Shawl Pattern: This pattern features zig zags and ziggurats, creating a unique and modern look.
• The Renaissance Fan Inspired Shawl: This pattern uses beads as a way to keep count of rows, and the repeating motifs make it easier to memorise.
• The Huge Wedding Shawl Pattern: This design is simple to knit but very impressive, with a lace motif that resembles peacock feathers.
• Traditional Estonian Lace: This technique uses the nupp stitch, a nubbly little cluster of stitches, which can also be substituted with beads.
• The Claddagh Wrap: A pattern for a women's shawl that can be used as a bridal lace shawl.
• The Winter Wavelets Shawl, Bamboo Wedding Shawl, Simple Knit Eyelet Shawl, and Diamonds Sparkle Wrap: All white lace shawl patterns, perfect for a traditional wedding.
• The Stella Luna Lacey Shawl, Lace Check Shawl Pattern, Liz Taylor Lace Stole, and Country Cottage Shawl: Off-white lace shawl patterns with a hint of colour, for a unique and modern look.

Adding decorations

Beads

Add some beads to your lace wedding shawl for a touch of sparkle and glamour. You can use beads as a sneaky way of keeping count of rows when knitting, as suggested by one knitter for a Renaissance Fan-inspired shawl pattern. Beads can also be substituted for nupp stitches in Traditional Estonian Lace patterns.

Pearls

Pearls are a classic and elegant addition to a wedding shawl. You can find pre-made pearl-adorned shawls, or you could add your own pearls to a plain shawl.

Rhinestones

For some extra bling, consider adding rhinestones to your wedding shawl. This is a great way to add some sparkle and shine to your bridal look.

Tassels

Tassels can give your wedding shawl a fun and playful touch. You can find pre-made shawls with tassels, or you could add your own by attaching them to the ends of the shawl.

Lace Appliques

Lace appliques can be used to add a touch of elegance and intricacy to your wedding shawl. You can find pre-made shawls with lace appliques, or you could attach your own for a more personalised look.

Finishing touches

Blocking

Blocking is an important step in achieving a professional finish for your lace wedding shawl. It helps to even out your stitches, enhance the lace pattern, and ensure your shawl maintains its shape. To block your shawl, you will need to gently wash it and pin it out to the desired dimensions on a blocking board. Leave it to dry completely before removing the pins.

Edging

The edging of your shawl is a key element in giving it a polished look. There are various edging techniques you can use, such as a simple crochet border or a more intricate lace edging. If you are crocheting your shawl, a shell stitch edging can add a delicate finish. For a knitted shawl, consider a picot bind-off for a pretty, lacy edge.

Embellishments

To add a touch of glamour to your lace wedding shawl, consider incorporating some embellishments. Beads, pearls, or rhinestones can be sewn on to enhance the lace pattern and add a hint of sparkle. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even try incorporating some embroidery or applique details.

Fringes

Fringes can add a stylish touch to your lace wedding shawl. If your shawl is knitted, you can create fringes by twisting strands of yarn and knotting them along the edge. For a crochet shawl, you can add fringes by creating chains at the corners or along the edges.

Packaging

When it comes to packaging your lace wedding shawl, a beautiful presentation can enhance its appeal. Consider wrapping it in tissue paper and placing it in a gift box. You could also add a personalised ribbon or tag to make it even more special.

Frequently asked questions