40th Anniversary 14 Tirrick Shawl - Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Charlemont

40th Anniversary 14 Tirrick Shawl - Knitting Pattern Overview

What is Being Made

The 40th Anniversary 14 Tirrick Shawl is a triangular wrap designed by Gudrun Johnston, featuring a wingspan of approximately 42 inches and a depth of about 16¾ inches. This intermediate-level knitting pattern creates a sophisticated shawl suitable for women, combining traditional Shetland lace techniques with modern construction methods.

Design Inspiration and Construction

Gudrun Johnston developed this shawl design following a trip to the Shetland Islands, drawing inspiration from authentic Shetland lace traditions. The pattern incorporates a distinctive lace motif originally developed by Shetland knitter Zena Thompson. Rather than using the traditional garter stitch background commonly found in Shetland lace work, Johnston chose to pair the lace with a stockinette stitch background for a refined aesthetic. The shawl employs a non-traditional construction method, beginning at the widest edge and working downward in five wedge sections that decrease toward the point.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The shawl is worked from the widest edge downward, creating a unique approach to traditional shawl design
• Lace knitting: Incorporates authentic Shetland lace patterns to create openwork details and visual interest
• Worked flat: The pattern is executed on a circular needle but worked in flat rows rather than in the round
• Wedge sections: Five distinct decreasing sections shape the triangular silhouette
• Stockinette stitch background: Provides a smooth, refined contrast to the delicate lace elements

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Tirrick Shawl features Shetland lace stitches as its primary decorative element, combined with stockinette stitch for the main fabric background. The lace pattern, though described as simple in construction, creates a visually pleasing effect through the interplay of yarn overs and decreases characteristic of traditional lace knitting.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for 2 skeins of Valley Yarns Charlemont Hand-Dyed by Dream in Color in the Blue Fish colorway, requiring approximately 600 yards of yarn. Valley Yarns Charlemont is a premium blend consisting of 60% Merino, 20% Nylon, and 20% Silk, with each 100-gram skein yielding 439 yards. This fiber composition provides elasticity, durability, and a luxurious drape ideal for shawl knitting.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in a 40-inch length, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The circular needle accommodates the flat construction while providing ample space for the shawl's wingspan.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in lace knitting and comfortable working with yarn overs and decreases. The combination of stockinette and lace sections, along with the multi-wedge construction, requires attention to stitch patterns and shaping.