Fortingall Yew

Fortingall Yew Triangular Shawl

What is Being Made

The Fortingall Yew is a triangular shawl designed by Anne Podlesak, worked from the top center back edge downward. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a sophisticated garment featuring a wide lace panel running down the center back, complemented by a knit-on lace border that frames the entire piece. The finished shawl measures 84 inches across the bottom edge with a 27-inch length from back neck to hem, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory.

Construction and Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs a top-down construction method, beginning at the neck edge and expanding outward and downward to create the triangular silhouette. The pattern incorporates charted lace work, requiring knitters to follow stitch-by-stitch instructions for the decorative elements. The wide center back lace panel serves as the focal point of the design, while the knit-on lace border is added after the main body is complete, allowing for a finished, polished edge. This technique of knitting on a border separately provides excellent stitch definition and ensures the lace edging lies flat and elegant.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Fortingall Yew utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace-work techniques to create visual interest and drape. Key stitches include:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches as the foundation of the fabric
• Knit through the back loop (K-tbl) and Purl through the back loop (P-tbl) for twisted stitch variations that add texture and structure
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) and Slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases that shape the garment and create the lace pattern openings
• Cable needle techniques for potential cable or twisted stitch elements within the design

The lace panels are worked from charts, which provide visual representations of the stitch sequences and create the characteristic openwork aesthetic of lace knitting.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Wooly Wonka Fibers Nimue Sock, a 4-ply weight yarn composed of 50/50 superwash merino wool and silk blend. This fiber combination provides durability, softness, and a subtle sheen characteristic of silk. Two skeins are required, each containing 435 yards, providing approximately 870 yards of working yarn. The sample shown is worked in the Spiced Apple colorway, though any yarn of similar weight and yardage can be substituted.

Needles: Size US 6 (4 mm) circular needles measuring 36 inches or longer are necessary to accommodate the large number of stitches required as the triangular shawl expands. The circular needle format allows for comfortable handling of the increasing stitch count without strain.

Additional Notions: Stitch markers assist in tracking pattern repeats and construction sections, a cable needle supports cable or twisted stitch techniques, and a darning needle facilitates weaving in yarn ends for a professional finish.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working Chart A after blocking. While the designer notes that gauge is not crucial to this particular project, variations in gauge will affect the total yardage required and the finished dimensions. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the correct gauge for consistent results.

Finished Dimensions

The completed Fortingall Yew shawl features a bottom edge measuring 84 inches across, a neck edge of 9¾ inches, and a total length from back neck to hem of 27 inches. These generous proportions create a versatile wrap that provides ample coverage for warmth and style.