Caerleon

Caerleon Sideways Shawlette by Corrine Walcher

Project Overview

Caerleon is a knitted sideways shawlette designed by independent designer Corrine Walcher to maximize the generous yardage available in a single skein of yarn. This intermediate-level knitting project creates an elegant, adjustable wrap that measures 20 x 78 inches when blocked, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and body types.

What Is Being Made

The Caerleon shawlette is a lightweight wrap knitted in a sideways construction method. Rather than working from the top down or bottom up in the traditional manner, this shawl is knit horizontally from one end to the other. The sideways approach allows knitters to use nearly all of their yarn while creating a garment with excellent drape and fluid movement. The finished dimensions of 20 x 78 inches provide ample coverage while remaining easy to wear and style.

Knitting Techniques

The Caerleon shawlette employs a strategic increase-and-decrease construction method that makes efficient use of available yardage. Knitters begin by working increases throughout the first half of the project, expanding the width of the shawl as they progress. Once approximately half the yarn has been consumed, the pattern transitions to a decrease section that tapers the shawl back down to completion. This technique requires knitters to weigh their yarn at the beginning and monitor yardage consumption throughout the project, making a digital scale that measures in grams an essential tool. The sample version used all but 5 yards of the available skein, demonstrating the efficiency of this design approach.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Caerleon shawlette is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, a fundamental knitting pattern that creates a smooth, classic fabric with excellent drape. Stockinette stitch consists of alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, producing the characteristic V-pattern texture on the right side of the fabric. This straightforward stitch pattern makes the project accessible to intermediate knitters while allowing the yarn's qualities to shine through.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 17 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches when measured in wet-blocked stockinette stitch. While gauge is noted as not critical for this particular item, variations in gauge will affect both the drape of the finished shawl and the total amount of yarn consumed during knitting. Knitters who work more loosely or tightly than the specified gauge should expect corresponding changes in how the finished shawl hangs and drapes on the body.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Caerleon shawlette is designed to work with Avalon Springs Farm Pendragon yarn, a 100% superwash merino wool available in 555-yard skeins weighing 4 ounces. The sample shown was knit in the colorway Little Girl's Dream. This yarn weight falls into the 3-ply to 4-ply range, providing a delicate, refined fabric suitable for shawlettes and lightweight wraps. Superwash merino wool offers easy care and durability while maintaining the softness and elasticity characteristic of merino fiber.

Needles: The pattern requires a 24-inch circular needle in US size 5 (3.75 mm), or whatever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles are essential for this project, as they accommodate the width of the shawl throughout the increase and decrease sections. The 24-inch length provides adequate needle space while remaining manageable for sideways knitting construction.

Additional Tools: A digital scale that measures in grams is highly recommended for successfully executing this pattern, as the increase-and-decrease method relies on accurate yardage tracking rather than row or stitch counts.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Caerleon shawlette is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in cast-on methods, basic stitches, and pattern reading. The primary challenge lies not in complex stitch work but rather in managing the yardage-based construction method and maintaining consistent gauge throughout the project. Knitters comfortable with circular needles and comfortable reading simple pattern instructions will find this project manageable and rewarding.