Kembleford Shawl

Kembleford Shawl by Edie Eckman

What is Being Made

The Kembleford Shawl is a lacy crocheted accessory designed to add elegance and sophistication to any wardrobe. This curved trapezoidal shawl features an openwork grid pattern that creates a diaphanous, airy aesthetic. With finished dimensions of 50 inches [127 cm] along the shorter curved edge and a depth of 12 inches [30.5 cm] after blocking, this shawl offers generous coverage while maintaining a lightweight, delicate appearance. The design is suitable for intermediate-level crocheters and uses fingering weight yarn to achieve its refined, refined drape.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Kembleford Shawl is constructed using a two-row repeat stitch pattern that creates a mesmerizing openwork grid. The pattern employs half double crochet (hdc) clusters as the primary stitch structure, worked in a consistent repeat that builds the shawl's distinctive geometric openwork. The curved trapezoidal shape is achieved through strategic shaping within this two-row repeat, eliminating the need for complex increases or decreases. The pattern includes both written and charted instructions, allowing crocheters to follow their preferred format. American crochet terminology is used throughout the pattern.

Materials and Tools

This project requires approximately 792 yards [724 meters] of fingering weight yarn. The sample was worked using Knitpicks Chroma Fingering Weight yarn in the Vermont colorway, which features a composition of 70% superwash wool and 30% nylon. Each ball provides 396 yards [362 meters] and weighs 3.5 ounces [100 grams], requiring 2 balls to complete the shawl. The pattern calls for a Size D [3.5 mm] crochet hook, or a size adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. Tonal fingering weight yarn with long color changes is recommended to enhance the diaphanous quality of the finished piece.

Gauge and Finishing

The specified gauge for this pattern is 6 clusters/hdc and 10 rows equaling 4 inches [10 cm] in the stitch pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The shawl requires blocking to achieve its finished measurements and to properly open up the lacy stitch pattern, allowing the openwork grid to display its full beauty and drape.