Bakersfield

Bakersfield Shawlette by Corrina Ferguson

What Is Being Made

The Bakersfield is a knitted shawlette designed by independent designer Corrina Ferguson. This is a versatile triangular wrap garment worked in a structured yet elegant construction that progresses through multiple sections to create a finished shawl with lace detailing.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Bakersfield shawlette employs a distinctive side-to-side construction approach, meaning the shawl is knitted horizontally from one side to the other rather than the more common top-down method. This technique allows for seamless integration of the knitted-on lace edging, which is worked simultaneously along the bottom edge as the main body progresses. The pattern is organized into four distinct sections that build upon each other: a set-up section to establish the foundation, an increase section to expand the shawl's dimensions, a decrease section to shape the final form, and a concluding final section to complete the piece.

The pattern provides both charted and written instructions, offering flexibility for knitters who prefer visual charts or those who work better from line-by-line directions. Designers recommend using needles larger than typically suggested for your yarn weight to encourage superior drape and flow in the finished fabric.

Stitches Used

The Bakersfield incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace-work elements:

• Knit (k) – the basic foundation stitch
• Purl (p) – the reverse of the knit stitch
• Knit front and back (kfb) – an increase technique that creates two stitches from one
• Yarn over (yo) – creates decorative eyelets and is essential for lace patterns
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Slip one stitch purlwise, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (sk2p) – a double decrease used in lace motifs

These stitches combine to create the lace edging and textured elements throughout the shawlette.

Materials and Specifications

The Bakersfield is designed to work with 3-ply and 4-ply weight yarns, offering flexibility in yarn selection. The pattern sample was created using Colinette Jitterbug, requiring 320 yards per 100 grams of yarn. Construction calls for Size 6 (4.0 mm) needles, though as noted above, using slightly larger needles than standard recommendations is encouraged for optimal drape. Additional supplies include one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work.

Difficulty Level and Gauge

Rated as an intermediate project, the Bakersfield assumes knitters have solid foundational skills and comfort with lace techniques and chart reading. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows to 4 inches in blocked stockinette stitch. However, the design is noted as flexible and can be worked at any gauge, making it adaptable to different yarn weights and needle sizes while maintaining the shawlette's essential character and proportions.