Chal Hiedra

Chal Hiedra Knitted Shawl by Ana F. Laguna

What is Being Made

The Chal Hiedra is a triangular knitted shawl designed by Ana F. Laguna. This reversible shawl combines two coordinating colors of yarn to create a versatile accessory that can be worn in multiple ways. Once blocked, the finished shawl measures 175 cm in length and 42 cm in width, making it a generous wrap suitable for various occasions and styling options.

Construction Method and Techniques

This shawl is worked from the narrowest point upward, with progressive increases worked throughout the body to gradually expand toward the lace edging. The construction begins at the tip and builds outward, allowing knitters to customize the final size by working additional pattern repeats if desired. The reversible nature of the design means both sides are equally attractive, providing versatility in wear and display.

The shawl features a lace border that is worked separately from the main body using a larger needle size to create elasticity and drape. The final edge is finished with an even larger needle to ensure the border remains stretchy and lies flat when blocked. This three-needle approach to construction demonstrates thoughtful shaping and finishing technique.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the pattern excerpt provided, the construction indicates the use of increases as the primary shaping mechanism throughout the body of the shawl. The lace border section employs openwork or lace stitches to create the decorative edging that transitions from the solid body of the shawl.

Yarn and Materials

The suggested yarn is Drops Baby Merino, a 100% superwash merino wool available in 50-gram skeins with 175 meters per skein. The pattern uses two coordinating colors totaling 135 grams: 60 grams in bone white (Color 1) and 75 grams in olive green (Color 2). This yarn weight classification is sport weight, making it ideal for creating delicate, draping shawls with excellent stitch definition.

Needles and Tools

• US 4 / 3.5 mm circular or double-pointed needles for the main body of the shawl
• US 6 / 4 mm needles for working the lace border section
• US 7 / 4.5 mm needles for binding off the shawl edge to ensure maximum elasticity
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Blocking pins for shaping and finishing

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches by 32 rows over 10 by 10 centimeters using the recommended yarn and needles. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions. The blocked finished size is 175 centimeters long by 42 centimeters wide, creating a substantial triangular wrap.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Chal Hiedra is accessible to knitters with some experience. The pattern is described as very easy to knit and comfortable to wear, making it suitable for those who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to work with shaping increases and lace edgings. The reversible construction and progressive increase method make this an excellent project for developing shaping skills.