Alongshore

Alongshore Crescent Shawl by Stephannie Tallent

Project Overview

Alongshore is an advanced knitting pattern for a crescent shawl designed by independent designer Stephannie Tallent. This downloadable PDF pattern features a sophisticated construction method where an ornamental lace and intarsia cable edging is worked first, followed by picking up stitches along the edge to create the garter stitch main body. The result is an elegant accessory with striking visual interest created by the contrast between the detailed edging and the simple, textured center.

Finished Dimensions

The completed shawl offers generous coverage with the following measurements:

• Outer edge length: 66 inches (167.5 cm)
• Inner edge length: 48 inches (122 cm)
• Center depth: 13.5 inches (34.5 cm)
• Edge depth: 8 inches (20.5 cm)

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Alongshore employs multiple advanced knitting techniques that make this pattern suitable for experienced knitters. The primary techniques include:

• Lace knitting – creates the delicate, openwork sections of the edging
• Cabling – forms the intarsia cable design that serves as the focal point of the edging
• Intarsia – a color work technique that allows the two-color cable pattern to stand out distinctly
• Picking up stitches – used to transition from the completed edging to the main body
• Short rows – employed to shape the crescent form
• Garter stitch – the main body is worked in this fundamental but textured stitch, providing contrast to the ornate edging

Knitters must be comfortable reading charts to successfully execute the intarsia cable and lace patterns.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Mrs Crosby Hat Box yarn, a premium blend consisting of 75% superwash merino, 15% silk, and 10% cashmere. This luxurious fiber composition provides softness, durability, and a subtle sheen. The yarn is available in 317 yards (290 meters) per 3.53 ounces (100 grams), making it a 3-ply to 4-ply weight suitable for delicate lace work.

Yarn requirements total three skeins: two skeins of Flame Colored Tanager for the main color and one skein of Smoky Granite for the contrasting intarsia cable. The two-color combination creates striking visual contrast while maintaining a sophisticated, wearable aesthetic.

Additional materials needed include US4 (3.5mm) needles or the size required to achieve proper gauge, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and two cable needles for executing the cable stitches.

Gauge and Yarn Requirements

Precise gauge is not strictly necessary for this pattern, though variations will affect total yarn yardage needed. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch type:

• Lace and cabled edging: approximately 32 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when blocked
• Garter stitch main body: approximately 16 stitches and 23.25 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when blocked

Pattern Difficulty and Skill Requirements

This pattern is rated advanced and requires knitters to possess solid foundational skills plus expertise in specialized techniques. Successful completion demands comfort with lace knitting, cable work, intarsia color work, and chart reading. The combination of these techniques makes Alongshore an excellent project for knitters seeking to refine their advanced skills or those looking for a challenging, rewarding creation.