17. Structural Butterfly Wing Shawl
Introduction
A wearable art piece, this expansive triangle shawl utilizes sweeping lace rows that expand outward from the spine to imitate the natural form and span of giant moth or butterfly wings.
What This Idea Means
Instead of attaching individual motifs onto a blanket, the entire garment structure is the wing. As the wearer wraps the shawl around their shoulders, the sweeping lace mimics spread wings.
How to Make It
- Select a gradient yarn cake (fingering weight) that transitions slowly from a deep inner core color out to a contrasting edge tone.
- Begin at the center top neck edge, expanding outward using center spine increases.
- Incorporate lace mesh rows, pineapple stitches, and wide arch fans to create radiating wing-vein pathways across the fabric span.
- Finish the long outer arc with deep pointed picots or feather-like edging stitches.
Tips & Variations
- Blocking is Key: Wet-block the finished shawl pin-by-pin to open up the lace mesh and accentuate every wing point.
- Closure: Fasten the front with a polished wooden shawl pin or handcrafted brass cuff.