Interisland Shawl

Interisland Shawl by Donna Smith

What is Being Made

The Interisland Shawl is a triangular knitted shawl designed to celebrate the connection between two Scottish islands. This one-size shawl measures 166cm (65.25 inches) wide at its widest point and 29cm (11.5 inches) deep, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping. The design draws inspiration from the natural geography and cultural heritage of Skye and the Shetland Isles, incorporating elements that symbolize the sea linking these island communities together.

Techniques Used

The Interisland Shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its elegant structure. The pattern begins with lace edging worked in a wave-inspired motif that represents the sea connecting the two islands. This decorative edging establishes the visual foundation of the piece. Once the lace edging is complete, stitches are picked up along the straight side of the edging to transition into the main body of the shawl. The body is then constructed using short rows, a shaping technique that creates the gentle curve characteristic of triangular shawls without requiring increases or decreases across the full width. This method allows for smooth, organic shaping while maintaining structural integrity.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout most of the Interisland Shawl is garter stitch, which is worked flat. Garter stitch—created by knitting every row—provides a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and elasticity, making it ideal for shawl construction. The lace edging features a wave-inspired lace pattern that contrasts with the solid garter stitch body, creating visual interest and emphasizing the maritime theme. The combination of lace and garter stitch demonstrates how different stitch patterns can be integrated within a single project to achieve both decorative and functional goals.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Interisland Shawl is designed to be worked in 4-ply or fingering weight yarn. The recommended yarn is Shilasdair Sogh, a luxury blend containing 75% Superfine Alpaca and 25% Long fibre British wool, which provides softness, warmth, and excellent stitch definition. This yarn carries special significance, as it was naturally dyed on the Isle of Skye before being sent to Burra in the Shetland Isles, where designer Donna Smith completed the pattern. The yarn provides approximately 225 meters of yardage for the project.

The recommended gauge for this pattern is 18 stitches and 39 rows to 10cm (4 inches) worked over garter stitch flat. While gauge is not considered crucial to this particular project, variations in gauge will affect the total yardage required, so knitters should be mindful of this relationship when selecting yarn or adjusting needle sizes.

Difficulty Level

The Interisland Shawl is rated as an intermediate level pattern, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the absolute beginner stage. The combination of lace work, stitch pickup, and short-row shaping requires familiarity with these techniques, though none are exceptionally complex. Knitters comfortable with reading charts and managing multiple stitch types will find this pattern accessible and rewarding.