Mossy Glen Triangle Lace Shawl Free Pattern – Knit a Forest Floor Wrap

Wrap yourself in the dappled light of an ancient woodland with this triangular lace shawl, where cascading leaf motifs meet a textured moss stitch border. Knit in earthy, heathered tones, it's a cozy yet elegant accessory for cool evenings. This pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their lace skills while creating a stunning, heirloom-quality piece that evokes the quiet beauty of a forest floor.

The shawl is worked from the top center down, with increases at the edges and center spine creating a graceful triangle. The lace pattern is a simple 4-row repeat that opens up into delicate diamond shapes when blocked, while the moss stitch border in a contrasting color adds a cozy, nubby edge. The result is a versatile wrap that pairs beautifully with both casual and dressy outfits.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): 400 yards of heathered moss green
  • Contrast Color (CC): 200 yards of warm oatmeal or birch beige
• Needle: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needle, 32-inch or longer (to accommodate the growing number of stitches)
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 2), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking pins and mats
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, so take time to swatch.

Special Stitches

Familiarize yourself with these stitches before starting. They are all standard knitting techniques that you'll use throughout the pattern:

• k2tog – knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk – slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• yo – yarn over (creates an eyelet hole in the lace)
• pm – place marker
• sm – slip marker

Step-by-Step Instructions

This shawl is worked from the top center down, increasing at the edges and center spine. Follow each section carefully, and you'll have a beautiful forest-inspired wrap in no time.

Setup

Step 1: With MC, cast on 3 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).

Step 2: Work the following setup rows to establish the center spine and edge increases:

• Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 – you now have 5 stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2. (The knit edge stitches create a neat, non-curling border.)
• Row 3 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, pm, k1, pm, yo, k1, yo, k1 – you now have 9 stitches. The center stitch is between the two markers.

Body (Worked in MC)

Now you'll work the main body of the shawl, which consists of simple increase rows that shape the triangle.

Row 4 (WS): k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 5 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, knit to 1 st before marker, yo, k1, sm, k1, sm, k1, yo, knit to last 3 sts, yo, k1, yo, k1. (This row increases at both edges and on both sides of the center stitch – you'll add 4 stitches total.)

Row 6 (WS): k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2.

Repeat Rows 5-6 until you have 99 stitches on the needle (or desired width), ending with a WS row. This creates a solid stockinette base that will anchor the lace pattern beautifully.

Lace Section (Worked in MC)

This is where the magic happens! The lace pattern is a 4-row repeat that creates cascading leaf motifs. The pattern is mirrored on each side of the center spine, with the center stitch remaining a simple knit stitch.

Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, *k2tog, yo* repeat from * to * until 1 st before marker, yo, k1, sm, k1, sm, k1, yo, *yo, ssk* repeat from * to * until last 3 sts, yo, k1, yo, k1. (Note: the center stitch remains a knit stitch; the lace pattern is mirrored on each side.)

Row 2 (WS): k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2.

Row 3 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, *k1, yo, ssk* repeat from * to * until 1 st before marker, yo, k1, sm, k1, sm, k1, yo, *k2tog, yo, k1* repeat from * to * until last 3 sts, yo, k1, yo, k1.

Row 4 (WS): k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2.

Repeat these 4 rows until the shawl measures approximately 20 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. (Adjust length as desired – for a larger shawl, continue repeating until you reach your preferred size.)

Moss Stitch Border (Worked in CC)

Now switch to your Contrast Color (CC) and work the textured moss stitch border. This adds a beautiful, nubby edge that contrasts with the delicate lace body.

Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, *k1, p1* repeat from * to * until 1 st before marker, yo, k1, sm, k1, sm, k1, yo, *p1, k1* repeat from * to * until last 3 sts, yo, k1, yo, k1.

Row 2 (WS): k2, *p1, k1* repeat from * to * until 2 sts before end, k2. (Continue the moss stitch pattern across, keeping the edge stitches as knit.)

Repeat Rows 1-2 for 6 more rows (8 total border rows), maintaining the increases on RS rows. The moss stitch pattern will naturally alternate as you work back and forth, creating that lovely seed-like texture.

Bind Off (RS)

With CC, bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits, purl the purls). To keep the edge stretchy and prevent it from pulling, use a larger needle or a lace bind-off:

Lace Bind-Off Method: k2, *slip both stitches back to left needle, k2tog through back loop, k1* repeat from * to * until all stitches are bound off. This creates a beautifully elastic edge that will block out nicely.

Finishing

Step 1: Weave in all ends carefully with a tapestry needle, making sure to secure them well so they don't show through the lace.

Step 2: Block the shawl gently to open up the lace pattern. This is a crucial step – wet blocking will transform your knitting from a crumpled mass into a beautiful, drapey shawl.

Step 3: To block, soak the shawl in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for 20-30 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (never wring!), then lay flat on a towel and roll up to remove more moisture.

Step 4: Pin out the edges to create a gentle crescent shape. Use blocking pins to stretch the lace points and the moss stitch border. The top edge should measure approximately 60 inches across, and the depth should be about 24 inches. Allow to dry completely before unpinning.

Tips for Success

• Count your stitches regularly – especially during the lace section, to catch any missed yarn overs or decreases early.
• Use lifelines – thread a contrasting piece of waste yarn through the stitches after every few lace repeats. If you make a mistake, you can easily rip back to the lifeline without losing your work.
• Blocking is essential – don't skip this step! The lace pattern truly shines after blocking, and the moss stitch border will lie flat and even.
• Choose your yarn wisely – a wool or wool-blend yarn will block beautifully and hold its shape. Pure cotton or acrylic won't block as well.

This Mossy Glen Triangle Lace Shawl is a joy to knit and an even greater joy to wear. The earthy color palette and botanical motifs make it a timeless piece that you'll reach for season after season. Whether you're curling up by the fire or stepping out for an evening walk, this shawl will keep you cozy and elegant. Happy knitting!