Barque

Barque Shawl by Jo Shaw

What is Being Made

Barque is a knitted shawl designed by Jo Shaw for hardybarn designs in collaboration with Giddy Aunt Yarns. This intermediate-level shawl features a distinctive sail-like shape inspired by old sailing ships, making it an elegant accessory piece. The design is named after the classic maritime vessel and works beautifully as a versatile wrap that can be worn in multiple ways.

Design Concept and Inspiration

Barque is specifically engineered to showcase two contrasting or complementary yarn skeins working together in harmony. The shawl's geometric shape evokes the billowing canvas of a ship's sail, creating visual interest and movement. The designer drew inspiration from maritime heritage, with the original colorways named Drift and Pieces of Eight—both evoking nautical themes that complement the shawl's sailing ship aesthetic.

Yarn Requirements

This shawl requires one skein of fingering-weight yarn and one skein of mohair yarn. The featured yarn is Giddy Aunt Yarns Merino Singles, a 4 ply / fingering weight option that provides 100 grams and 366 meters (400 yards) per skein in 100% merino wool. The two-yarn construction allows crafters to work with skeins that either complement or contrast with one another, offering flexibility in color selection and visual impact.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Barque employs classic lace knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate-level knitter. The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting abbreviations and stitch manipulations including:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches as foundational elements
• Yarn overs (yo) to create the characteristic lace openwork and decorative eyelets that define the shawl's delicate appearance
• Knit two stitches together (k2tog) for decreasing and shaping the garment
• Slip stitches worked purlwise (pw) for seamless stitch transitions
• Repeat (rep) sequences that build the shawl's structured pattern
• Stitch markers (pm, sm) to track pattern sections and maintain shaping accuracy
• Main colour (MC) and contrast colour (CC) work, allowing the two yarn weights to create visual definition and depth

Skill Level and Craft Details

Classified as an intermediate knitting project, Barque requires familiarity with lace knitting fundamentals and the ability to work with two different yarn weights simultaneously. The combination of 4 ply fingering weight with mohair creates textural contrast—the fingering weight provides structure and stitch definition while the mohair adds softness and a halo effect. This is an ideal project for knitters comfortable with yarn overs, decreases, and following charted or written lace patterns while managing multiple strands.

Format and Availability

Barque is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it immediately accessible for digital crafters. The pattern includes complete abbreviation guides and detailed instructions suitable for independent knitters working from home or on the go.