Capetian

Capetian Shawl by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

The Capetian is a triangular lace shawl designed by independent knitter Corrine Walcher. Named after Burgundian Royalty, this shawl features elegant lace detailing paired with a deep garter stitch edging. With a finished depth of 20 inches and a wingspan of 68 inches, it's an accessory-sized shawl suitable for layering or draping. The design is intentionally straightforward, allowing the beauty of the yarn—particularly handspun-quality merino wool—to take center stage rather than competing with complex stitch patterns.

Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly knitting project employs fundamental shawl construction techniques. The pattern uses a centered lace panel running down the back of the shawl, created through strategic yarn overs and decreases that form openwork. The shawl is worked from a small cast-on edge that increases outward, a common method for triangular shawl design. Markers are placed to help track pattern repeats and increases. Wet blocking is used to finish the piece, which helps even out the stitches and enhances the drape of the lace and garter sections.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The foundational stitch creating the garter stitch edging
• Purl (P): Used in combination with knit stitches for texture variation
• Yarn Over (YO): Creates the decorative eyelets and lace openings characteristic of the lace panel
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and shape the shawl
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease providing symmetrical decreases alongside K2tog
• Garter Stitch: The deep edging is created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric

Materials

The sample shawl was knit using Flying Goat Farms Synergy Worsted, a 100% merino wool yarn in the worsted weight category. The yardage requirement is approximately 200 yards per 113 grams, with the sample using two full skeins. The sample was worked in the colorway Majesty. Knitters should use a 32-inch circular needle in US size 7 (4.5mm), or adjust needle size as needed to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles are preferred for accommodating the increasing number of stitches as the triangular shawl expands.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches and 22 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 the finished size, total yardage consumed, and the way the shawl drapes. Knitters working at a tighter gauge will produce a smaller, denser shawl, while looser gauge will yield a larger, airier fabric.

Design Notes

The Capetian's appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility. By featuring a lace panel as the primary design element rather than an all-over complex stitch pattern, the shawl allows premium yarns—especially those with handspun characteristics like Flying Goat Farms Synergy—to showcase their unique qualities. The deep garter edging provides visual interest and structure while remaining beginner-accessible. This makes the Capetian an excellent project for knitters new to shawl construction or those seeking to highlight a special yarn without navigating intricate stitch sequences.