Hothouse Flowers

Hothouse Flowers Knit Shawl by Corrine Walcher

Project Overview

Hothouse Flowers is an intermediate-level knit shawl pattern designed by Corrine Walcher. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a triangular shawl inspired by exotic orchid gardens found in Calgary and Edmonton. The finished shawl measures 15 inches in depth with a 68-inch wingspan, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Design and Construction Techniques

The Hothouse Flowers shawl employs a multi-stage construction method that combines several knitting techniques. The pattern begins with a lace border worked first, establishing the decorative foundation. The main body is then constructed using short-row shaping, a technique that creates depth and dimension without increasing stitch count dramatically. This is followed by a simple garter edging to finish the piece. The orchid lace motif is central to the design, creating an elegant botanical aesthetic throughout the shawl.

Stitches and Techniques

This pattern utilizes fundamental lace and shaping stitches essential to intermediate knitting:

• Knit (K) – basic knit stitch forming the foundation
• Purl (P) – reverse stockinette elements for texture variation
• Yarn Over (YO) – creates the openwork characteristic of lace patterns
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – single decrease for shaping
• Knit Three Together (K3tog) – double decrease for more dramatic shaping
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) – left-leaning decrease
• Slip, Slip, Slip, Knit (SSSK) – double left-leaning decrease
• Garter Stitch – simple edge finish created by knitting every row
• Stockinette Stitch – primary fabric in the body sections

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The sample was knit using Dragonfly Fibers Pixie, a 100% merino wool yarn available in 4-ounce skeins with 430 yards per skein. The sample colorway is Orchid Thief and required 415 yards of yarn. This pattern accommodates 3-ply, 4-ply, and sport-weight yarns, allowing for yarn substitution while maintaining the intended design.

Needles: A US Size 4 (3.50mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches is required, or the size necessary to achieve proper gauge.

Gauge: The pattern specifies 20 stitches and 29 rows per inch when measured over blocked stockinette stitch. While gauge is noted as not critical for this item, achieving proper gauge will affect both yardage requirements and the final drape of the finished shawl.

Pattern Modifications

The PDF includes modification directions, allowing knitters to customize the shawl to their preferences or available yarn quantities. This flexibility makes the pattern accessible to knitters working with different yarn weights within the specified range.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters with experience in basic stitches and comfortable with lace knitting and short-row shaping techniques.