Tulip Chest is an asymmetric triangle shawl with stunning lace. The lace pattern is fun to knit and reminds of tulip. With lace work on right-side rows only, and wrong side rows all in purl, this makes a great beginning lace knitting project, or a quick gift knit. You can easily make this shawl your own by working the pattern repeat as many times as you want.

The tulips name originated from the Turkish pronunciation of a Persian word meaning “turban.” This is because of the flowers resemblance to the garment, and likely in relation to the tradition of wearing the flower on a turban.

The flower itself was introduced into West Europe in the 16th century and grew to be used in art all over the world. However, the tulip has been present in Hungarian folk art for much longer. It has been known in various variations since the 10th century and is still the most popular flower motif in folk art. The tulip appears as a decorative motif on clothes, utensils and furniture. Among the latter, the most important are the so-called tulip boxes.

Originally the “láda” (chest) word was introduced in Hungary by this type of chests made by joiners. (It is of German origin: Lade). Originally it was a trousseau furniture. Therefore it was also called the bridal chest or, due to its decoration, tulip chest. It is therefore perhaps not surprising that the tulip is a symbol of life, beauty and femininity.

Download the Tulip Chest knitting pattern here and cast on your new go-to knit today!

Happy Knitting! Klára

Photos by ENKÁZSÉ