Serangoon

Serangoon Shawl by Åsa Tricosa

What is Being Made

The Serangoon is a lacy, ornate stole featuring a contemporary stylised design. This advanced knitting project combines geometric elements with flowing, airy construction, resulting in a spectacular garment that transitions from structured swags into an arch of mesh and culminates in a billowing border. The shawl is available in two sizes: a smaller version measuring approximately 175cm x 55cm (68" x 22"), and a large version measuring approximately 200cm x 70cm (78" x 27").

Techniques Used

The Serangoon employs sophisticated lace knitting techniques throughout its construction. The design utilizes geometrical swags as the foundational structural element, which then transition into an arch of airy mesh work. A distinctive feature of this shawl is the billowing border with edgings worked within each row, creating a dynamic, dimensional finish. The pattern demonstrates advanced-level construction methods suitable for experienced knitters.

Stitches and Stitch Details

While specific stitch names are not detailed in the pattern overview, the construction relies on lace knitting principles characteristic of cobweb and laceweight projects. The shawl incorporates optional beadwork, with provisions for 110 beads in the smaller size and 130 beads in the larger size, allowing knitters to add embellishment if desired. The edgings worked within each row create a sophisticated visual effect integral to the shawl's ornate appearance.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Serangoon is designed for laceweight yarn. For the smaller size, the pattern specifies DyeForYarn Silk Baby Camel Merino Lace (700m / 765yds per 100g), with the photographed version shown in Crushed Pistachio colorway requiring one skein. The larger size calls for Fyberspates Scrumptious Lace (Merino/silk blend, 1000m / 1100yds per 100g) in Orange, also one skein.

The pattern provides alternative yarn suggestions for substitution: any cobweb, laceweight, or fingering/4ply weight yarn works well, including Dye For Yarn Tussah Silk, Fyberspates Elegance, Maria Lace, Sundara Silk, and Wollmeise Lace Garn. This flexibility allows knitters to select from a range of premium fiber blends suitable for delicate lace work.

Needle requirements include a 3.5mm (US 4) circular needle measuring 80–100cm (32"–40") for the main knitting, plus an additional smaller circular needle for the provisional cast-on method. Optional notions include a 2.75–3.5mm (US D or E) crochet hook for finishing, stitch markers (quantity 2), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking supplies to set the lace pattern.