Gentle Shawlettes - a la Outlander

Gentle Shawlettes a la Outlander by Karen Walker

What Is Being Made

Gentle Shawlettes a la Outlander are versatile triangular shawlettes designed by Karen Walker of Heirloomlaceknits. These classic knitted wraps can be worn as shown in the patterns or expanded into larger shawls with additional yardage. The designs are intended to be worn elegantly with a shawl pin, making them both functional and decorative accessories suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This project employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners while maintaining classic shawl construction principles. The shawlettes are worked from a small cast-on and expand outward, a traditional approach that creates a triangular silhouette. The pattern allows for customization—knitters can follow the shawlette dimensions as written or continue knitting with additional yardage to create a more ample, full-sized shawl. This flexibility makes the design adaptable to individual preferences and yarn availability.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates garter stitch as a foundational element, which is one of the most basic and satisfying stitches in knitting. Garter stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric that is ideal for beginners and provides visual interest without requiring complex stitch work.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Yarn Weight Options: The pattern is available in two yarn weight variations:

• Fingering Weight Version: Requires 450 to 600 yards of fingering weight yarn. The olive version shown is worked in hand-dyed olive tonals fingering weight merino wool.
• Sports Weight Version: Requires 450 to 600 yards of sports weight yarn. The coral version is created by combining one strand of Shibui Lunar with one strand of Shibui Pebble, resulting in a luxurious blend of merino wool, silk, and cashmere with subtle texture and gentle sheen.

Needles:

• Size 3 US (2.5mm) 24-inch circular needle for the fingering weight version
• Size 5 US (3.75mm) 24-inch circular needle for the sports weight version

Additional Materials: A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends upon completion.

Gauge

Gauge is approximately 5 stitches per inch for the sports weight version and 6 stitches per inch for the fingering weight version, measured over the main stitch pattern.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, Gentle Shawlettes a la Outlander offer a satisfying and simple knitting experience. Despite their classic appearance and elegant finished look, the pattern uses straightforward techniques accessible to knitters new to the craft, making it an excellent introduction to shawl construction.