Product Description
This is the third design in the Celtic Cable Shawls collection.
This crescent shawl features an intricate cabled edging inspired by carved knotwork from a Pictish symbol stone. The lower edge of the shawl can either be left plain, or finished with a crochet chain cast-off; the body of the shawl is shaped with short rows.
Note that this is quite a small shawl: if you're concerned about it coming out too small, remember to check your gauge carefully before beginning (and block your gauge swatch!). For a larger shawl, you could work in a slightly heavier weight yarn (perhaps DK/light worsted), and slightly larger needles.
Because the cables are on a reverse garter st background at the lower edge of the shawl, there is quite a lot of purling. Also note that there are some WS cable rows, so this pattern requires quite a lot of concentration!
This pattern is both charted and fully written out.
Nine Maidens Crescent Shawl by Lucy Hague
What is Being Made
The Nine Maidens is a crescent-shaped shawl designed by Lucy Hague, featuring an intricate cabled edging inspired by carved knotwork from a Pictish symbol stone. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated accessory with finished measurements of 56 inches across the lower edge and 7.5 inches in depth from neckline to lower edge, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions.
Knitting Techniques Used
This shawl employs short-row shaping to create its distinctive crescent silhouette, a technique that allows the designer to achieve curved construction without increasing or decreasing stitches in traditional ways. The shawl features cable work prominently in its edging, drawing inspiration from historical Pictish symbol stone carvings and adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece. The body construction uses flat knitting on long circular needles, which provides flexibility and comfort for working larger stitch counts over extended rows.
Stitches and Stitch Details
The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic canvas that allows the cable edging to stand out as a focal design element. The pattern includes special abbreviations such as the 1-into-5 technique, which involves inserting the right needle between the first two stitches on the left needle, wrapping yarn, and pulling through—a decorative increase that adds complexity and visual appeal to the cabled border. Cable stitches form the intricate knotwork-inspired edging that defines the shawl's character.
Finishing Options and Construction Details
The lower edge of the shawl offers design flexibility: it can be left plain for a simple finish, or completed with a crochet chain cast-off for added texture and definition. This optional finishing technique allows knitters to customize the final appearance based on personal preference and the desired drape of the completed shawl.
Materials and Yarn Requirements
- Yarn: 390 yards of 4-ply or fingering-weight yarn (approximately 361 meters). The sample shown uses Lioness Arts King of the Jungle Sock in the shade "Thoughts," which features an 80% merino and 20% nylon blend, providing durability and elasticity suitable for shawl wear.
- Needles: 4.0mm (US size 6) needles for flat knitting, with long circular needles recommended for comfortable handling of the stitch count
- Crochet Hook: 2.75mm (US size C) crochet hook for the optional chain cast-off finishing
- Additional Supplies: Waste yarn, cable needle, darning needle, and pins or wires for blocking to achieve proper finished measurements and shawl drape
Gauge
The pattern is designed to 16 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the shawl drapes appropriately when worn.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Designer: | Lucy Hague |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.