Raising Cane

Raising Cane Shawlette by Laurie Beardsley

What Is Being Made

Raising Cane is a beginner-friendly shawlette designed by Laurie Beardsley, inspired by the sugar cane fields of Louisiana. This triangular wrap measures 72 inches (183 cm) across the wingspan and 15 inches (38 cm) deep, making it a versatile accessory perfect for layering during cooler months. The design captures the visual aesthetic of harvested cane fields with scattered broken stalks, translating that imagery into a knitted textile that evokes both natural beauty and a sense of calm, meditative craftsmanship.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Raising Cane employs a bias construction method, meaning the shawlette is worked diagonally across rather than from top to bottom. This technique creates interesting directional flow in the finished piece and contributes to the natural drape of the accessory. The bias approach also makes this an excellent project for knitters seeking to expand their technical repertoire while maintaining beginner-level difficulty.

Stitch Pattern

The shawlette features a simple alternating stitch pattern that combines two complementary techniques:

• Garter stitch rows: These foundational rows create texture and structure, alternating regularly throughout the piece
• Latticework pattern: An easy openwork design that creates visual interest and lightweight drape, alternating with the garter stitch sections to build the overall pattern repeat

This straightforward alternation between solid and openwork sections makes Raising Cane accessible to beginners while producing a sophisticated, visually engaging finished fabric.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Raising Cane is designed to use one skein of fingering weight yarn. The pattern specifies Dye2Spin Merino Silk Sock in the colorway "Sugar n' Spice," which contains 50% Merino wool and 50% silk, providing 438 yards (401 meters) per skein. This fiber blend offers the warmth and elasticity of merino combined with silk's lustrous sheen and smooth drape, creating a luxurious finished shawlette. Alternatively, any other fingering weight yarn with similar yardage can be substituted, allowing knitters to personalize their project with different colors and fiber contents while maintaining the intended finished dimensions.

Tools and Gauge

The pattern calls for US 3 (3.25 mm) knitting needles, along with a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and blocking supplies for finishing. The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern after blocking. While gauge is noted as not critical for this project, variations will affect the total yardage used and the final size and drape characteristics of the shawlette, giving knitters flexibility in customizing their finished piece.

Ideal for Relaxation Knitting

Described as easy knitting perfect for a long winter evening of cozy relaxation, Raising Cane combines straightforward stitch techniques with a meditative, rhythmic construction process. The beginner difficulty level and simple alternating pattern make this an excellent choice for knitters seeking a project that is engaging without being overly complex, allowing for peaceful, focused crafting time while producing a beautiful, wearable accessory.