Tournesol Shawlette

Tournesol Shawlette by Allison Bostrom

What Is Being Made

The Tournesol Shawlette is a knitted shawl accessory designed by Allison Bostrom of Clair de Lune Fiber Art. This intermediate-level project creates a versatile, wearable shawl suitable for various occasions and seasons. The finished piece uses approximately 105–120 grams of yarn, equivalent to 390–430 yards, making it an accessible project for knitters seeking a substantial yet manageable garment.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Tournesol Shawlette employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern utilizes garter stitch as the primary fabric structure, created by knitting every row. This classic technique produces a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape and elasticity, making it ideal for shawlette construction. The pattern incorporates yarn overs to create decorative shaping and increases, which are essential elements in shawl design that allow the piece to expand gracefully from a smaller cast-on edge.

Increase stitches used in the pattern include knit front and back (kfb) and purl front and back (pfb), techniques that add new stitches while maintaining fabric continuity. The pattern also features purl through the back loop (ptbl), a technique that creates twisted stitches for subtle textural variation. These techniques combine to create a shawlette with refined shaping and visual interest.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Tournesol Shawlette pattern uses the following essential stitches and abbreviations:

• k — knit stitch, the fundamental knitting stitch
• p — purl stitch, the reverse of the knit stitch
• yo — yarn over, creating decorative holes and increases
• kfb — knit into front and back of stitch, a method for increasing one stitch
• pfb — purl into front and back of stitch, a purl-based increase
• ptbl — purl through the back loop, creating twisted stitches
• rep — repeat, indicating pattern sections to be worked multiple times
• st(s) — stitch or stitches
• CO — cast on, the foundation row of stitches

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Tournesol Shawlette is designed for 4-ply fingering weight yarn, a lightweight yarn category ideal for creating delicate, drapey shawls with beautiful stitch definition. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Madeline Tosh Merino Light in the Daffodil colorway, a natural fiber yarn that provides softness, elasticity, and a luxurious feel.

Knitters should use 3.25 mm needles, or the size required to achieve the specified gauge of 19 stitches and 34 rows in garter stitch over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when blocked. Gauge is critical for ensuring the finished shawlette achieves the intended dimensions and drape. Additional materials required include a cable needle for any cable techniques, stitch markers to track pattern repeats, a tape measure for checking dimensions during blocking, scissors for cutting yarn, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Pattern Summary

The Tournesol Shawlette is an intermediate knitting project that combines accessible garter stitch construction with elegant shaping techniques. Using fingering weight merino wool or similar natural fibers, this shawlette showcases how fundamental knitting techniques—including yarn overs, increases, and twisted stitches—create a refined, wearable accessory. The project requires approximately 390–430 yards of yarn and produces a piece suitable for various styling options, making it an excellent choice for knitters seeking to expand their skills beyond basic garments while creating a practical, beautiful accessory.