Merlon

Merlon Crochet Shawl by Tanja Osswald

What Is Being Made

Merlon is a lace shawl designed by Tanja Osswald that measures approximately 120 cm x 35 cm (47 inches x 14 inches). This downloadable crochet pattern creates a sophisticated accessory suitable for intermediate crocheters. The finished shawl uses approximately 200 grams of yarn, equivalent to two skeins of Hedgehog Fibers Silk Merino Singles.

Construction and Design Innovation

The Merlon shawl features an experimental construction method based on a Peano curve concept. Rather than working traditional short rows that progress straight across, this shawl is constructed using fewer but significantly longer rows that move up, down, and sideways. This unconventional approach creates visual interest and reduces the number of row transitions in the finished piece. The lace rows integrated throughout the shawl enhance this unusual construction method while simultaneously forming a merlon pattern—a decorative battlement-like design that inspired the shawl's name.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This pattern is worked entirely in slip stitches, making it a specialized exercise in slip stitch crochet technique. The shawl alternates between two distinct stitch patterns across rows: the flat pattern (F) is worked in odd rows, while the iB pattern is worked in even rows. The integration of lace rows throughout the construction adds openwork sections that contribute to both the aesthetic appeal and the unique structural design.

Materials and Tools Required

• Yarn: 200 grams of Hedgehog Fibers Silk Merino Singles in the colorway 'sin' (or approximately two skeins of worsted-weight yarn)
• Crochet Hook: 6 mm
• Stitch Markers: 20 pieces for tracking pattern repeats

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of approximately 16 stitches and 16 rows per 10 cm x 10 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) when working the flat pattern in odd rows and the iB pattern in even rows. The shawl is customizable in length; crocheters can adjust the finished dimensions by using more or less yarn than the specified two skeins, making this pattern adaptable to individual yarn quantities and desired finished size.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more advanced construction techniques and stitch variations. The experimental Peano curve construction and slip stitch-only approach require careful attention to pattern instructions and stitch placement.