Lutana Shawlette

Lutana Shawlette by Ambah O'Brien

What is Being Made

The Lutana Shawlette is a narrow crescent-shaped shawl featuring gentle short row shaping, decorative eyelet rows, and a feminine ruffle. Named after an Australian Aboriginal word meaning moon, this design creates a light yet satisfyingly warm accessory. The finished shawlette measures 64.2 inches (163 centimeters) in length with a width of 6.7 inches (17 centimeters), making it an elegant, wearable piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Lutana Shawlette is worked from the top down, a construction method that allows knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and adjust the final length as desired. The design incorporates several key knitting techniques:

• Short row shaping creates the distinctive crescent silhouette by turning the work before completing full rows, building dimension and structure into the narrow width
• Eyelet rows add decorative openwork details that enhance the delicate, feminine aesthetic of the finished shawl
• Ruffle construction provides textural interest and movement along the edges

This straightforward knitting approach makes the Lutana Shawlette an excellent project for knitting while traveling or relaxing, as it requires consistent attention without complex stitch manipulation.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative elements. Eyelet rows utilize yarn overs (yo) and knit two together (k2tog) decreases to create openwork sections that are both visually striking and structurally sound. The body of the shawlette is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth canvas that showcases the delicate yarn. Marker placement guides the shaping sections, with yarn overs at strategic points building the gradual width expansion characteristic of short row shaping.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Lutana Shawlette is designed to be worked in lace weight yarn, specifically a 2-ply construction. The sample was knit in sofTrope Kidsilk lace, composed of 70% Superfine Kid Mohair and 30% Silk, in the color Viola. This luxurious fiber blend creates a fabric that is exceptionally light and airy while providing surprising warmth and drape. Approximately 459 yards (420 meters) of yarn is required to complete the project.

The pattern calls for US 6 / 4mm circular needles measuring 80 centimeters (32 inches) or longer. The longer needle length accommodates the cast-on of 295 stitches and allows for comfortable working of the shawlette as stitches accumulate during construction.