Henslowe

Henslowe Shawl by Beth Kling

What is Being Made

Henslowe is an advanced knitted shawl pattern designed by Beth Kling. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a curvy shawl with lace elements and a theatrical aesthetic. The shawl is worked flat using circular needles and features a distinctive construction method beginning with a single cast-on stitch that expands throughout the pattern.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Henslowe shawl employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its elegant, dimensional design. The pattern begins with a slipknot cast-on method, creating a foundation for the expanding stitch count. Yarn overs are used strategically in the early setup rows to create the initial increases and lace elements characteristic of the design. The shawl features a garter stitch body as its primary structural element, which is worked flat on circular needles. This combination of garter stitch with yarn overs creates the curvy silhouette and delicate lace details that give the shawl its theatrical character.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Knit (k) — the primary stitch forming the garter stitch base
• Purl (p) — used in combination with knit stitches
• Yarn over (yo) — creates the lace details and increases throughout the pattern
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) — used for decreases and shaping
• Knit into front and back (kfb) — an alternative increase technique
• Bind off (bo) — for finishing the edges

Materials and Tools

The Henslowe pattern is designed to be worked with specific yarn and needle requirements. The recommended yarn is Lioness Arts BFL Sock, a 100% Bluefaced Leicester wool with 437 yards (400 meters) per skein. One skein is sufficient to complete the shawl. The pattern shown uses the Heartache colorway from the Lioness Arts August 2011 Yarn Club. The yarn weight is fingering weight (3-ply to 4-ply), appropriate for the lace and garter stitch construction.

Needles required include one pair of US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles at least 24 inches long. The circular needle format allows for working the expanding shawl flat while accommodating the increasing stitch count. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and blocking supplies — the pattern humorously notes the need for eleventy million T-pins to properly block the finished shawl, emphasizing the importance of blocking in achieving the intended curvy shape and lace definition.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern specifies a gauge of 6.5 stitches and 14 rows to the inch (2.5 cm) in garter stitch when knit flat and unblocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern, as the expanding construction relies on precise stitch counts. Finished measurements are included in the pattern documentation, though specific dimensions depend on the blocking process and final shaping.