Laurina Shawl

Laurina Shawl by Catherine Anderson

What is Being Made

The Laurina Shawl is a contemporary asymmetric triangular shawl designed by Catherine Anderson. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 150cm x 100cm (60" x 40"), making it a substantial accessory suitable for wrapping and layering. The shawl features a modern design that combines traditional Shetland stitch techniques with contemporary lace elements, resulting in a versatile garment that works for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Construction and Growth Pattern

The Laurina Shawl is worked from the top down, beginning with a few garter stitches that gradually expand into a triangular shape. The construction progresses from solid knit fabric into an increasingly open lace section as the shawl grows. This building approach allows knitters to monitor their progress and adjust fit if needed before committing to the full yardage. The stitch pattern is easily memorised, making it suitable for knitters who prefer to work without constantly referencing their pattern.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Laurina Shawl employs a variation of traditional Shetland stitch as its foundation, combined with fundamental lace knitting techniques. The pattern utilises basic lace stitches constructed from yarn overs paired with corresponding decreases, which create the characteristic openwork of lace knitting. These lace elements are balanced with simple knits and purls throughout the design. During the blocking phase, the wave-like stitch formations are pulled into delicate points to create a refined edging, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished piece.

Difficulty Level and Knitter Suitability

Rated as an advanced pattern, the Laurina Shawl serves dual purposes: it functions as an excellent introduction to lace knitting for knitters ready to expand their skills, and simultaneously offers a relaxing, meditative project for experienced lace knitters. The combination of straightforward stitch techniques with the larger scale of shawl knitting makes it accessible to ambitious intermediate knitters while remaining engaging for advanced crafters seeking a project that doesn't require constant concentration.

Pattern Format and Presentation

The Laurina Shawl pattern is provided in downloadable PDF format, making it immediately accessible for digital devices or printing. The stitch pattern is presented in two formats: both written instructions and charted notation. This dual presentation accommodates different learning preferences and allows knitters to choose their preferred method of following the pattern, whether they work better from written row-by-row instructions or visual stitch charts.

Yarn and Materials Requirements

• Yarn Weight: 4 ply (fingering weight) yarn, suitable for creating delicate, refined fabric
• Yardage: 800 metres (875 yards) total, equivalent to approximately 2 skeins based on the sample garment
• Sample Yarn: Malabrigo Sock yarn in the shade Reflecting Pool was used for the pattern sample, demonstrating how a semi-solid colourway showcases the stitch definition
• Needles: 3.75mm (US 5) needles, sized appropriately for 4 ply yarn to achieve the specified gauge
• Gauge: 24 stitches = 10cm (4 inches) in garter stitch, establishing the foundation for accurate sizing
• Notions: Stitch markers (optional), useful for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections

Yarn Weight Flexibility

While the pattern specifies 4 ply (fingering weight) yarn, the product attributes indicate compatibility with both 3 ply and 4 ply yarn weights. This flexibility allows knitters to adapt the pattern to their yarn preferences or stash, though adjustments to needle size and yardage may be necessary to maintain the intended finished dimensions and drape characteristics of the shawl.