Jalava

Jalava Circular Shawl by Bérangère Cailliau

What is Being Made

Jalava is a circular shawl designed by independent designer Bérangère Cailliau, part of the "Balade sous les ormes" collection from L'île Aux Fils. This top-down knit shawl features a comfortable, warm silhouette perfect for layering or wrapping. The circular construction and strategic increases create a graceful, wearable shape suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This shawl is knitted from top to bottom using circular construction, which allows for seamless increases that expand the piece radially. The shaping relies on a combination of increases and yarn overs to create the comfortable, flowing silhouette. This top-down approach is beginner-friendly as it allows knitters to try on the shawl as they work and adjust the final size to their preference.

Stitches Used

Jalava combines two primary stitch patterns:

• Grain d'orme stitch (elm grain stitch) – the main decorative stitch pattern that forms the visual character of the shawl
• Garter stitch – used as a complementary stitch, likely in border or transition sections, providing texture and structure

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern is designed for fingering weight yarn in two coordinating colors:

• Color C1: Malabrigo Finito in Paloma – 2 skeins (approximately 400 yards or 366 meters total)
• Color C2: Malabrigo Finito in Mostaza – 2 skeins (approximately 400 yards or 366 meters total)

Each skein of Malabrigo Finito contains 183 meters of yarn per 50 grams. The pattern accommodates both 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights, offering flexibility for yarn substitution.

Tools and Gauge

The pattern calls for 3.5mm (US4) circular needles or the size necessary to achieve the correct gauge. Gauge is critical for proper shawl dimensions:

• Grain d'orme stitch gauge: 22 stitches x 32 rows = 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm)
• Garter stitch gauge: 24 stitches x 40 rows = 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm)

Difficulty Level

Jalava is rated as a beginner-level knitting project, making it accessible to newer knitters while still offering the satisfaction of completing a wearable accessory. The straightforward top-down construction and use of standard knitting stitches make this an ideal introduction to circular shawl knitting.