Windcatcher

Windcatcher Shawl by Amy van de Laar

What is Being Made

The Windcatcher is an asymmetrical triangular shawl inspired by Wellington Harbour in New Zealand. Knit from a single point to the opposite side of the triangle, this shawl captures the aesthetic of calm harbour waters, sparkling reflections, and the graceful movement of boat sails and seabird wings through its textured lace design and distinctive shape.

Finished Measurements

The completed shawl measures 73.5 inches (187 centimeters) across the wingspan and 17 inches (43 centimeters) in depth when relaxed after blocking. The shawl can be enlarged by working additional repeats of Sections A and B, allowing customization of the final size.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced-level project employs several key knitting techniques to create its elegant lace structure. The shawl utilizes a straightforward lace pattern that flows intuitively across the design. The construction method—knitting from a single point outward to form the triangular shape—requires understanding of directional shaping and lace increases. Blocking is essential to achieve the final measurements and to enhance the delicate lace pattern definition.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Windcatcher features a textured lace pattern built from fundamental knitting stitches:

• Knit (k) – the basic knit stitch
• Purl (p) – the basic purl stitch
• Yarn over (yo) – creates the openwork and lace holes characteristic of the design
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease

The pattern simplifies construction by working wrong-side rows in knit and purl only, eliminating complex lace techniques on the reverse. Both charted and full written instructions are provided, allowing knitters to follow their preferred method.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the lace pattern, measured after relaxing and blocking. Achieving proper gauge is critical for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the lace pattern displays correctly.

Materials and Yarn

The Windcatcher requires 1 skein of Dark Harbour Yarn Starboard, a premium yarn blend composed of 70% superwash merino and 30% silk. This yarn is classified as 4-ply weight, providing an ideal balance of drape and stitch definition for lace shawlwork. The superwash merino ensures easy care, while the silk content adds lustrous sheen and enhances the graceful drape of the finished shawl. The combination of these fibers creates a fabric with both durability and delicate elegance.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an advanced project, the Windcatcher is designed for experienced knitters. While the lace stitches themselves are fundamental, the asymmetrical triangular construction, shaping increases, and the need to maintain pattern consistency across the expanding fabric require solid knitting skills and pattern-reading ability.

Pattern Format

This design is provided as a downloadable PDF, offering convenient access to both charted lace patterns and comprehensive written instructions for knitters who prefer either format.