Ishneich

Ishneich Triangular Shawl by Lucy Hague

What Is Being Made

Ishneich is a top-down triangular shawl designed by Lucy Hague, available as a downloadable PDF knitting pattern. This advanced-level shawl is specifically engineered to showcase variegated yarn beautifully when paired with a coordinating solid or semi-solid colored yarn. The design features a sophisticated construction method that builds from the neck edge downward to create a dramatic triangular silhouette.

Shawl Construction and Design Elements

The Ishneich shawl incorporates multiple distinct sections, each showcasing different knitting techniques:

• Cabled Section: The centerpiece features an intricate Celtic knot cable pattern comprised of a single strand looping around itself, creating a traditional Celtic aesthetic
• Lateral Braids: Two decorative braids are worked on either side of the central cable section, adding structural interest and visual balance
• Lace Edging: A delicate lace edging is knitted on perpendicularly to the main body, finishing the shawl with an elegant, refined edge

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This advanced pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques. The primary stitch used throughout is stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth canvas for the pattern details. The cable work requires cable needles for manipulating stitches to create the Celtic knot motif. The lace edging incorporates openwork stitches typical of traditional shawl finishing. The top-down construction method uses a provisional cast-on at the neck edge, allowing the shawl to be shaped as stitches are increased throughout the body.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed for fingering weight yarn, which creates a delicate, drapable fabric suitable for shawl wear. Two yarn colors are used: Yarn A requires 285–370 yards depending on size, while Yarn B requires 205–268 yards. The pattern is shown in Malabrigo Sock yarn, with Yarn A in the colorway 'Aguas' (100% merino, 440 yards per 100g) and Yarn B in 'Pocion'. Knitting is worked on 4.0mm US size 6 circular needles (long circulars recommended for accommodating the growing number of stitches), along with a cable needle for cable work, stitch markers, a darning needle for finishing, and blocking wires or pins.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Ishneich shawl is offered in two sizes. Size S features a neck edge length of 45 inches (114 cm) and measures 22.5 inches (57 cm) from neck edge to center point. Size L has a neck edge length of 60 inches (152.5 cm) and measures 30 inches (76 cm) from neck edge to center point. Gauge is 19 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking.