Oaken

Oaken by Tin Can Knits: Aran Weight Lace Blanket and Shawl

What Is Being Made

Oaken is a versatile knitting pattern that offers two distinct projects in a single design: a generous blanket and a wrap-style shawl. Both pieces showcase the same fundamental construction method and lace motif, allowing knitters to choose their preferred finished size and drape. The blanket measures 35.5" wide by 43" long, making it an ideal throw for draping over furniture or wrapping around the shoulders. The shawl option is larger at 68" wide by 28" long, providing ample fabric for wrapping and layering on cooler days.

Techniques and Construction

Oaken employs a thoughtful construction strategy that balances simplicity with visual interest. The pattern begins with garter stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This foundational section provides a satisfying, meditative knitting experience before transitioning into the more intricate elements. As the project progresses, rhythmic lace is introduced, adding delicate openwork that prevents the piece from becoming monotonous while maintaining an intermediate skill level. This combination of techniques creates a piece described as "sweet and satisfying" to knit, with the lace sections providing visual movement and sophistication against the solid garter base.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches featured in Oaken are garter stitch, created by knitting every row, and lace stitches, which involve yarn overs and decreases to form decorative openwork patterns. These stitches work together to create textural contrast and visual interest throughout the finished piece. The lace sections are designed to be rhythmic and repeatable, making them accessible to intermediate-level knitters who have experience with basic lace construction.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Weight and Yardage: Oaken is designed for aran and worsted weight yarns, which are medium-weight fibers that create fabric with good drape and warmth without excessive bulk. Yardage requirements vary by project choice:

• Shawl in single colour: 620 yards
• Shawl in two colours: 350 yards of main colour (MC) and 350 yards of contrasting colour (CC)
• Blanket in two colours: 500 yards MC and 390 yards CC, as shown in the sample
• Blanket in single colour: 850 yards

The sample shawl was worked in Sweet Fiber Canadian yarn in the colourway 'golden', while the sample blanket features Hinterland Range yarn in 'snow' and 'maple', demonstrating the pattern's versatility across different yarn brands and colour combinations.

Needles and Gauge: The pattern calls for US #9 / 5.5mm circular needles, with the specific needle length depending on the project. The shawl requires one 48" long circular needle, while the blanket is worked on two 48" long circular needles to accommodate the wider width. Gauge is set at 13 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch after blocking, which should be verified before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions. Knitters should adjust needle size as needed to achieve this gauge with their chosen yarn.

Additional Notions: Completing Oaken requires stitch markers to track pattern repeats, a darning needle for weaving in ends, and optionally blocking wires to shape the finished piece during the blocking process. Blocking is recommended to even out the garter stitch texture and help the lace sections open up fully.

Difficulty Level

Oaken is rated as an intermediate knitting project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore lace construction. The combination of garter stitch and rhythmic lace provides an accessible entry point into lace knitting without overwhelming complexity.