Langebaan shawl

Langebaan Shawl by Sabrina Schumacher

What is Being Made

The Langebaan shawl is a beginner-friendly lace shawl designed by Sabrina Schumacher. This triangular shawl is knitted sideways, creating an asymmetrically shaped garment that opens up the world of lace knitting for new knitters. The design is inspired by the designer's experiences with kite surfing in Langebaan, where the back-and-forth motion of the sport influenced the shawl's construction method.

Construction and Design Features

The shawl is worked sideways, beginning at one end and progressing outward. This construction method offers practical advantages for knitters: you can stop and bind off at any point to adjust the final size of the shawl. The slightly asymmetrical triangular shape develops naturally as you work through the pattern rows. This relaxed, flexible approach makes the Langebaan an ideal project for knitters transitioning between more complicated designs or for those new to lace knitting.

Techniques and Stitches

The Langebaan features a lace pattern that is designed to work without complicated knitting charts, making it accessible to beginners. The pattern uses an open lace stitch throughout, which creates the characteristic delicate appearance of lace shawls. The main stitch used is stockinette stitch, which serves as the foundation for the lace pattern. The straightforward, back-and-forth knitting motion keeps the project manageable for knitters building their lace skills.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Anna & Juan Tussah Wild Silk in "Färbermaulbeer" colorway, 100% silk, 400 meters per 100 grams, 4-ply weight. A single-ply silk yarn was chosen for this pattern because it displays the open lace stitch beautifully.
• Needles: 5.0mm (US #8) 24-inch circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Notions: Tapestry needle for finishing
• Gauge: 19 stitches and 27 rows equal 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch and blocked

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-compatible, making it suitable for knitters new to lace work. The simplified pattern structure without complex charts and the flexible sideways construction create an approachable entry point into lace knitting, while still providing a satisfying and beautiful finished project.