Ruffled Shawl

Ruffled Shawl by Loraine Birchall

What is Being Made

The Ruffled Shawl (WMD0202) is a knitted shawl featuring decorative ruffled edges, designed as a one-size adjustable accessory. This piece showcases a distinctive ruffle construction that adds texture and visual interest to a classic shawl silhouette. The design was inspired by the appearance of ruffled shawls created with variegated chunky yarns, making it an ideal project for crafters seeking a statement piece with elegant detailing.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created using the knitting craft. The shawl incorporates a lace pattern as its primary stitch construction, which creates an open, decorative fabric that works beautifully with chunky yarn weights. The ruffle element is worked as an integral part of the shawl structure, requiring careful attention during the ruffled section to achieve the proper gathered effect. The pattern is designed to be manageable for beginners, making it an accessible introduction to lace knitting and shawl construction.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The shawl uses a lace pattern as its primary stitch work. Tension is specified at 8 stitches by 12 rows in the lace pattern on 9mm needles before blocking. The lace construction creates openwork sections that enhance the drape and flow of the finished piece, while the ruffle sections add dimensional texture through increased stitch counts or strategic increases that create the gathered ruffle effect.

Materials and Tools Required

• Yarn: 2 balls of Lanas Stop Belt (chunky yarn) or 1 ball of James Brett Marble Chunky. The chunky weight yarn creates a quick-knitting project with substantial texture.
• Needles: Size 9mm needles in straight or circular configuration. Circular needles are recommended for ease when working the wide ruffle section.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for sewing in yarn ends upon completion.

Difficulty Level

Rated as beginner difficulty, this shawl is an excellent choice for knitters new to shawl construction and lace patterns. The straightforward lace pattern and manageable stitch counts make it approachable while still delivering a sophisticated finished garment.