910 Ekanite - Shawl Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Charlemont

910 Ekanite Shawl Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The 910 Ekanite is a sophisticated shawl design created by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This elegant wrap combines luxurious fiber content with striking lace detailing, making it an ideal accessory for layering during transitional seasons. The pattern showcases beautiful contrast between textured garter stripes and intricate lace elements, creating visual depth and dimension throughout the finished piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a generous rectangular shawl measuring approximately 29 inches wide by 72 inches long at its widest edge. The one-size design works up quickly using just two skeins of yarn, making it an accessible project for knitters seeking an elegant wrap without committing to a large yardage investment. The finished shawl is substantial enough to provide warmth while remaining lightweight and drape-friendly.

Knitting Techniques

• Bottom-Up Construction: The shawl is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it grows and easily adjust the final length if desired
• Seamless Knitting: Worked flat on circular needles without seaming, creating a polished, professional finish
• Lace Knitting: Features sophisticated lace stitch patterns that create openwork details and visual interest
• Garter Stitch Stripes: Textured garter stitch sections alternate with lace patterns, providing structural stability and visual contrast

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The 910 Ekanite incorporates two primary stitch patterns that work together to create the shawl's distinctive appearance. The Textured Stripe stitch pattern provides a stable, reversible fabric base with a gauge of 22 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when blocked. The Diamond Lace stitch pattern creates the signature openwork border and interspersed lace stripes, with a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when blocked. Knitters should swatch both stitch patterns to ensure proper gauge, as the different stitch densities require careful tension management.

Materials and Fiber Content

The pattern specifies Valley Yarns Charlemont, a premium fingering-weight yarn that combines performance and luxury. This yarn consists of 60% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 20% Silk, and 20% Polyamide, creating a blend that offers softness, durability, and practical washability. Each skein provides 439 yards and weighs 100 grams, with two skeins totaling approximately 878 yards—sufficient yardage for the complete shawl. The recommended color is Dark Olive, which provides sophisticated depth to the lace and textured stitch patterns.

Tools and Equipment

Knitters will need a US 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 32 to 40 inches in length, or the size required to achieve proper gauge. The circular needle accommodates the shawl's width without requiring needle extensions. A tapestry needle completes the essential tools needed for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the piece professionally.

Skill Level and Gauge

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace and textured stitch patterns. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project, as the two different stitch patterns require distinct gauges. Blocked gauge measurements are 22 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches for the Textured Stripe stitch pattern, and 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches for the Diamond Lace stitch pattern. Careful swatching and blocking of both patterns before beginning ensures the finished shawl will meet the specified dimensions.

Design Characteristics

The 910 Ekanite features a deep diamond lace border along its widest edge, creating a dramatic focal point. Additional lace stripes interspersed throughout the body of the shawl add visual interest and movement. The combination of garter stitch stripes and lace elements creates a balanced design that is neither overly delicate nor too heavy. The silk-blend yarn enhances the lace definition while the merino wool provides warmth and elasticity, and the polyamide adds durability for a wrap designed to be worn and loved for years.