Derwentwater Shawl

Derwentwater Shawl by Tess Young

What is Being Made

The Derwentwater Shawl is a knitted shawl designed by Tess Young, inspired by Derwentwater in the Borrowdale Valley of the Lake District. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a textured, flowing garment that combines ripple stitch patterns with lace elements, resulting in a piece that evokes both the water movement and mountain peaks of its namesake landscape.

Design and Construction Method

This shawl is constructed using a center-back starting point, with the piece expanding outward through strategic yarn overs that increase the width as you progress. The construction method allows the shawl to grow organically from the center, creating a balanced, symmetrical finished piece. The pattern features a 4-row main pattern repeat that is interspersed with three inserts of bargello lace peaks, creating visual interest and structural variation throughout the design.

Stitch Techniques and Patterns

The Derwentwater Shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance:

• Textured ripple stitch pattern: The main pattern repeat creates a ripple-like effect reminiscent of wind-disturbed water, achieved through a simple 4-row repeat that can be worked consistently throughout most of the shawl
• Yarn overs: Used strategically to create increases that expand the shawl while also forming decorative lace elements
• Bargello lace peaks: Three separate lace inserts incorporated into the design that evoke the mountain peaks of the Lake District landscape, providing textural and visual contrast to the ripple pattern
• Central spine stitches: Optional stitch markers can be used to track these key structural elements throughout the knitting process

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Derwentwater Shawl is designed to be worked in 4 ply (fingering weight) yarn. The pattern sample was created using 1 x 100g skein of Eden Cottage Yarns BFL sock yarn in the Night Sky colorway, which provides 436 yards (400 meters) of yardage. This yardage amount is sufficient to complete the entire shawl design.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires 4mm (US6) needles for working the main fabric. Additionally, 3 removable stitch markers are recommended (though optional) to mark the central spine stitches and help track pattern progression, making the knitting process more manageable and reducing the likelihood of mistakes.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The working gauge for this pattern is 23 stitches by 34 rows over 10 x 10 centimeters (4 x 4 inches) when measured in the main pattern repeat on 4mm (US6) needles after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the shawl drapes appropriately.

Difficulty Level

The Derwentwater Shawl is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns, lace elements, and shaping increases. The combination of textured stitches and lace inserts provides an engaging challenge without requiring advanced techniques.