Saint-Amand

Saint-Amand Shawl by Mathieu Arnold

What Is Being Made

The Saint-Amand is a crescent-shaped shawl designed by Mathieu Arnold. This downloadable knitting pattern creates an elegant wrap measuring 300 cm × 35 cm (120″ × 14″), making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is named after Eudes de Saint-Amand, the Marshal of Jerusalem and eighth Grand Master of the Knights Templars, pronounced [sɛ̃.a.mɑ̃].

Construction and Design

The Saint-Amand shawl features a thoughtfully structured three-part construction. The piece begins with a pointed stockinette panel that establishes the shawl's foundation. The center section showcases a simple lace stitch pattern that provides visual interest while remaining accessible to knitters of all skill levels. The design concludes with a symmetrical pointed stockinette panel that mirrors the opening, creating balanced proportions and a refined silhouette.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level knitters. The primary construction method is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The lace stitch pattern in the center section introduces texture variation while maintaining simplicity. The shawl's crescent shape is achieved through strategic increases and the interplay between solid stockinette sections and the openwork lace center.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch: Forms the pointed panels at both the beginning and end of the shawl, creating a clean, polished appearance
• Lace stitch pattern: A simple, charted lace pattern occupies the central section, adding delicate openwork details

Materials and Specifications

The Saint-Amand pattern calls for fingering weight yarn, requiring a total of 800 meters (875 yards). The designer recommends working at a gauge of 24 stitches by 33 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch. The sample shawl shown uses a 200-gram gradient yarn in merino and nylon blend from La Fée Fil, in the colorway "Beetroot." Knitters will need US5 (3.75 mm) needles or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge, plus a darning needle for finishing.

Pattern Notes

The pattern includes charted instructions for the lace sections. Mathieu Arnold emphasizes reading all instructions and the abbreviations and techniques section on page 2 before casting on. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for immediate use.