Pacific Coast

Pacific Coast Shawlette by MaryG Knits

Project Overview

The Pacific Coast is an intermediate-level knitted shawlette designed by Mary C. Gildersleeve. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a triangular wrap measuring 46 inches by 22 inches when blocked, relaxing to approximately 42 by 21 inches after air-drying. The design combines two coordinating fingering-weight yarns to create a sophisticated colorwork effect suitable for layering or wearing as a lightweight wrap.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a shawlette—a smaller, more wearable version of a traditional shawl. The finished piece is a triangular wrap ideal for draping over shoulders or wearing as a decorative accessory. The two-color construction using CC1 (approximately 200 yards) and CC2 (approximately 460 yards) creates visual interest and depth in the final garment.

Knitting Techniques

The Pacific Coast shawlette employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design:

• Garter tab cast-on: The shawlette begins with a garter tab, a common method for starting triangular shawl patterns that creates a neat, finished edge
• Slip-stitch edging: The first stitch of each row is slipped with yarn in front as if to purl, creating a polished selvage edge throughout the piece
• Garter stitch borders: The first and last 10 stitches are maintained in garter stitch throughout the pattern, framing the lace or pattern stitches in the center
• Lace blocking: The finished shawlette requires blocking using lace blocking pins and a blocking board to achieve the specified finished dimensions and to even out the stitches

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as its primary gauge measurement (20 stitches by 28 rows equals 4 inches in stockinette when blocked). Garter stitch forms the structural borders and the initial tab. The pattern includes lace stitches or decorative pattern work in the central sections, with both written directions and charted instructions provided to accommodate different knitter preferences.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for fingering-weight superwash wool totaling 660 yards. The sample was created using KnitPicks Stroll in Cobblestone Heather for CC1 and KnitPicks Stroll Hand-dyed in Pacific Tonal for CC2, though any fingering-weight superwash wool in coordinating colors may be substituted.

Needles and Notions: US #4 circular needles in 40-inch length are required to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the triangular shawl grows. The pattern specifies at least 3 lockable stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction sections. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and lace blocking pins with a blocking board for finishing.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern gauge is 20 stitches by 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked. Knitters should swatch and measure carefully before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions. The shawlette blocks to 46 inches by 22 inches and relaxes to approximately 42 by 21 inches after air-drying, creating a versatile wrap suitable for various occasions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Pacific Coast shawlette is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable reading both written pattern instructions and knitting charts. The combination of garter stitch borders, lace pattern work, and two-color construction requires attention to detail and familiarity with common shawl construction methods.