Join the Sunburst Knitalong this Summer! Post your progress pics / finished shawl on Instagram - tag @undertheolivetreeknits and use #sunburstshawlkal or post your photos in the Under the Olive Tree Knitters Facebook Group. The KAL is running until 31st August 2026.

’Choose Your Yarn’ Kits are available for the Sunburst Shawl

About this Pattern

☀️ Designed for a single skein of variegated sock or 4 ply yarn (100g / 400-425m)
☀️ Simple ‘yo, k2tog’ stitches combine with stockinette to create a zig-zag sunburst pattern
☀️ A quick, fun knit that results in a lightweight and versatile accessory

Sunburst is a lightweight, one‑skein accessory designed to be a project of joy and brightness. Worked in soothing stockinette with simple yo, k2tog lace, the pattern is easy to work and lovely to wear.

Using just a 100g / 400-425m skein of sock or 4ply yarn, this piece is perfect for showcasing a treasured skein; speckles shimmer, tonals glow, and variegated colourways get the chance to shine in all their colourful glory.

The result is a delicate, airy shawl that drapes effortlessly around the shoulders or neck. Whether you choose to make it in a bright, summer colourway or a soft tonal neutral, Sunburst brings a little warmth to any day.

If you are new to knitting lace, this shawl would be the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Using just yarnover and k2tog stitches to create the lace, each section is worked between markers so you can easily keep track of your stitches. A video tutorial on how to work the ‘yo, k2tog’ stitch combination can be found here https://www.undertheolivetreeknits.com/lace-stitches.html.

The pattern has been tech edited and test knitted prior to publication.

This pattern is free for the Summer of 2026, and there is a just-for-fun Knitalong happening too!

Pattern Notes

Stitches Used – Sl1 wyif, knit, purl, kfb, yo, k2tog, ‘yo, k2tog’ lace stitches

Sizes – One size

Measurements – The finished, blocked shawl has a wingspan of 73” (185cm) and a depth of 18” (45.5cm)

Materials
• 437-464yd / 400-425m, 3.5 oz / 100g 4 ply, sock or fingering weight yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is:
o Purple and Pink Version - Under the Olive Tree Knits sock yarn, 75% Superwash Merino / 25% Nylon in the Violet Hour colourway
o Red and Orange Version – Under the Olive Tree Knits Sparkle Sock Yarn – 75% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon / 5% Gold Stellina in the Vesuvius colourway
• US size 5 (3.75mm) 32” (80cm) circular needle
• A stitch marker
• 1 tapestry needle for weaving in the ends

Gauge: 22 stitches and 33 rows to 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking

Pattern Testimonials

“Jem has created another joyful pattern. Sunburst shawl is a relaxing knit, with a simple, but beautiful lace pattern, which is great to bring out contrast texture particularly from using variegated yarn. I loved making this shawl” - Audrey

“Another extremely straightforward pattern from Jem. Easy knitting which a confident beginner would enjoy. An excellent introduction to lace knitting for a newcomer. Row counters and repeat row indexes (standard in all Jem’s patterns) are really helpful” - Fiona

“The pattern is well laid out and easy to follow with useful boxes to follow the lace repeats and check stitch counts. The pattern is soothing and rhythmic, I’ve enjoyed making it and look forward to wearing it. This pattern is an enjoyable project for all levels of experience and would be a good first lace pattern for a confident beginner” - Ruth

“I really enjoyed knitting this shawl, it was such a relaxing make. Once the pattern was set, it knitted up beautifully and it was easy to see how the pattern would evolve” - Sally