Morgaine

Morgaine Crescent Shawl by Natalie Servant

What is Being Made

Morgaine is an advanced-level crescent shawl designed by Natalie Servant. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a sophisticated accessory measuring approximately 50 inches (127 cm) across the top and 13.5 inches (34 cm) deep. The shawl features a distinctive crescent shape with a striking lace border inspired by Celtic knotwork, making it a statement piece suitable for experienced knitters seeking a complex, visually rewarding project.

Construction Technique and Pattern Structure

Morgaine employs a three-section construction method that builds the shawl in distinct stages:

• Border Section: The decorative border is knit from tip to tip, incorporating a garter stitch edging that forms the bottom of the shawl and a slip stitch selvage along the top edge for a polished finish
• Center Section: Slipped stitches from the border are picked up and short rows are worked to create the characteristic crescent silhouette
• Top Edge: The top garter edging is worked from side to side, carefully matched to the bottom edge for a cohesive, balanced design

This multi-section approach allows the lace border pattern to frame the shawl while the short-row shaping creates the elegant curved form.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes several key knitting techniques and stitch elements:

• Garter stitch for the top and bottom edgings, providing structure and definition
• Slip stitch selvage on the border for a refined edge finish
• Lace stitches forming the Celtic knotwork-inspired border pattern
• Short rows to shape the crescent form in the center section

The lace border pattern is the focal design element, requiring attention to stitch placement and yarn overs typical of advanced lace knitting.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The sample shawl was created using Wooly Wonka Arianrhod Sock yarn in the colorway Woad, requiring approximately 375 yards (343 meters) of the available 430 yards (393 meters) per 100-gram skein. The yarn composition includes 75% merino wool, 20% silk, and 5% glitter, creating a luxurious blend with subtle sparkle and excellent drape suitable for lace shawlwork.

The pattern calls for fingering weight yarn, which is a 4-ply weight classification. A gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the blocked border pattern ensures proper sizing and drape of the finished shawl.

Tools and Notions

• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle or size needed to achieve gauge
• Notions: Stitch markers and a darning needle for weaving in ends

The circular needle accommodates the shawl's width and allows for the construction method described in the pattern.

Skill Level and Pattern Difficulty

Morgaine is rated as an advanced knitting pattern, appropriate for experienced knitters comfortable with lace knitting, short-row shaping, and multi-section garment construction. The combination of Celtic knotwork lace, slip stitch techniques, and crescent shaping requires strong foundational skills and attention to detail throughout the project.