Flora Corona

Flora Corona Crescent Shawl by Rachel Leggett

What is Being Made

Flora Corona is an elegant crescent-shaped shawl designed for special occasions. This top-down knit features delicate floral elements and beading throughout, making it a refined accessory perfect for summertime celebrations of love. The finished shawl measures approximately 15 inches in depth and 62 inches along the inner curved edge, providing a substantial yet graceful drape.

Knitting Techniques

This advanced-level shawl employs several sophisticated knitting techniques to achieve its elegant aesthetic. The pattern utilizes a garter tab cast-on to begin the construction, a method that creates a neat, finished edge at the top of the shawl. The design is worked from the top down, allowing knitters to customize the final length as desired. The shawl features three distinct lace sections that form the structural foundation of the design, each contributing to the overall crescent silhouette. Aggressive blocking is recommended after completion to achieve the finished measurements and to fully open up the lace patterns and floral details.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Flora Corona pattern incorporates lace stitchwork as its primary stitch structure. Gauge is measured at 4 stitches and 6 rows per inch in stockinette stitch when blocked. However, the pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this design—knitters should select a needle size that produces fabric they find aesthetically pleasing. The three lace sections work together to create the shawl's distinctive shape, while beading is integrated throughout the pattern to add sparkle and visual interest to the delicate floral border.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

• Yarn: 450 yards of light fingering to lace-weight yarn. The sample was knit using 437 yards of Isager Strik Alpaca 2, which is classified as a light fingering to heavy lace-weight yarn.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles, 32 inches in length, or your preferred length for knitting shawls. The needle size should be selected to obtain your desired fabric feel, as gauge flexibility is built into this pattern.
• Beads: Approximately 8/0 beads, quantity as desired. Beads are incorporated throughout the pattern to enhance the elegance of the floral design elements.

Pattern Details

This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Rachel Leggett is classified as an advanced-level project, making it suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with lace work and shaping techniques. The crescent shape and three-section lace construction require attention to pattern details and shaping decreases. The beading component adds an additional layer of complexity, as knitters must coordinate bead placement with their knitting. The flexibility in gauge and the ability to customize length make this pattern adaptable to individual preferences while maintaining the intended elegance and drape of the finished shawl.