Galathea

Galathea Sideways Shawl by Åsa Tricosa

What is Being Made

Galathea is an elegant, one-piece knitted shawl worked sideways from end-to-end. The design features a bold yet delicate lace border worked as you go, combined with a stocking-stitch centre that showcases hand-dyed yarns beautifully. For crafters seeking versatility, the centre can be substituted with garter stitch to create a completely reversible shawl. The finished size is customizable based on your yarn choice and desired dimensions.

Finished Dimensions

Galathea is available in two sample sizes depending on yarn weight:

• Cobweb or Heavy Laceweight: Approximately 210 cm x 50 cm (84" x 20")
• Fingering Weight: Approximately 240 cm x 45 cm (95" x 18")

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level shawl employs several key knitting techniques. The sideways construction method allows for progressive shaping and the integration of a lace border worked as you go, which creates the delicate edge detail. The main body utilizes stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) to create a smooth, refined surface ideal for displaying the qualities of premium hand-dyed yarns. Crafters who prefer a reversible option can work garter stitch instead, which produces a textured, bumpy fabric that looks identical on both sides.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates lace stitchwork in the border, combined with fundamental knit and purl stitches. The contrast between the delicate, openwork lace edging and the solid centre creates visual interest and allows the lace pattern to frame the shawl elegantly. The stocking stitch centre requires basic knit and purl rows worked in alternation, while the garter stitch alternative uses knit stitches exclusively on every row.

Yarn and Materials

Galathea is designed for cobweb, lace, 4-ply, and fingering weight yarns, offering flexibility in fiber content and yardage requirements. The pattern provides specific yarn suggestions with yardage specifications:

• Natural Dye Studio Angel (Alpaca/Cashmere/Silk blend, 1097 m per 100 g): 0.6 skein
• Wollmeise Lace-Garn (100% superwash wool, 1590 m per 300 g): 0.45 skein, totaling approximately 700 m (765 yards)
• Cephalopod Yarns Skinny Bugga (Merino/Cashmere/Nylon blend, 388 m per 113 g skein): 2 skeins
• Zauberwiese Ayana Silk (Silk/Seacell blend, 800 m per 200 g): 1 skein

Alternative yarn suggestions include BC Garn Allino, Wollmeise Pure 100% Merino, and Blue Moon Fiber Art yarns. The lightweight nature of these yarns means relatively small quantities are required, making this an excellent project for showcasing precious or hand-dyed fibres.

Needles and Tools

While specific needle sizes are not detailed in the pattern summary provided, knitters should select needles appropriate for their chosen yarn weight. Cobweb and lace weight yarns typically require needles in the US 0-2 range, while fingering weight yarns work well on US 1-3 needles. Circular needles are recommended for this sideways construction method.

Skill Level

Galathea is rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the combination of lace-border work, sideways construction, and the precision required when working with delicate, lightweight yarns. Knitters should be comfortable reading lace charts, managing yarn tension with fine fibres, and understanding shaping techniques before beginning this project.