Warm Ogunquit Pocket Shawl

Warm Ogunquit Pocket Shawl by Linda Lehman

Project Overview

The Warm Ogunquit Pocket Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted wrap designed by Linda Lehman that combines warmth with practical functionality. This wearable piece features two distinct stitch patterns that create visual interest while remaining accessible to knitters with solid cable knitting experience. The defining characteristic of this design is the addition of pockets, which are constructed separately and attached after the main shawl body is complete, allowing the maker to customize pocket placement for optimal comfort and fit.

Design Features and Stitch Techniques

This shawl showcases a thoughtful combination of knitting techniques that balance aesthetic appeal with wearability. The primary stitch pattern employed is a cable lace stitch, which creates a feminine visual quality through the interplay of twisted stitches and openwork elements. Cable knitting, the foundational technique required for this project, involves crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted rope-like texture. The cable lace variation adds delicate lacework elements that prevent the finished piece from feeling too heavy while maintaining the warmth and structure expected from an aran-weight shawl.

The incorporation of two separate stitches means knitters will work with varied stitch patterns throughout the construction, keeping the project engaging and allowing for skill development. The pockets are constructed as a secondary element, added after the main body is complete, which simplifies the overall construction process and provides flexibility in their placement.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: This project calls for 1450 to 1650 yards of worsted weight (aran weight) yarn for the main shawl body, with an additional 100 yards of the same or a coordinating yarn for the edging. The yardage range allows for variations in gauge and personal fit preferences.

Needles and Hooks: The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate different sections:

• Size U.S. #8 (5.0mm) needles for the primary shawl construction
• One spare size #8 needle for holding stitches or working specific sections
• Size U.S. #7 (4.50mm) needles for sections requiring a tighter gauge
• Two cable needles for executing the cable stitch crossings
• Size H and I crochet hooks for the edging work

Additional Notions: While not strictly essential, a row counter and stitch markers are recommended to help track progress through the pattern and manage stitch placement, particularly important given the complexity of cable and lace combinations.

Gauge and Finishing Specifications

The pattern specifies a gauge of approximately 4.5 stitches per inch when worked in the cable stitch with moderate blocking. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and drape of the shawl. The edging, worked with crochet hooks in sizes H and I, allows for adjustment based on individual crochet tension, with guidance to size up or down if your crochet stitches tend toward particularly tight or loose tension.

Skill Level and Technique Requirements

Designated as an intermediate project, this shawl assumes the knitter has a good working knowledge of cable knitting techniques. Success with this pattern requires comfort with reading cable charts, managing multiple stitches on cable needles, and understanding how to work lace decreases and yarn overs in combination with cables. The two-stitch approach and the addition of pockets as a separate step make this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills beyond basic cable work into more complex stitch combinations.