Lingering Doubts Shawl

Lingering Doubts Shawl by Gabrielle Bolland

What is Being Made

The Lingering Doubts Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Gabrielle Bolland. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a generous triangular or crescent-shaped shawl measuring 77.5 inches long and 26 inches wide after blocking, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Techniques Used

This shawl pattern employs fundamental lace knitting techniques to create an openwork design. The construction uses a lace pattern that incorporates yarn overs and decreases to form decorative holes and textural elements throughout the fabric. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 114 stitches and progresses through alternating rows, with odd-numbered rows following a specific lace sequence. Blocking after completion is essential to achieve the finished dimensions and to open up the lace pattern fully.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k1): The fundamental knit stitch forms the base structure of the fabric.
• Purl stitch (p1): Purl stitches are incorporated to create texture and pattern variation.
• Yarn over (yo): This stitch creates the decorative openings characteristic of lace knitting by bringing yarn to the front between needles.
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the shawl and create lace motifs.
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches individually as if to knit, then knitting them together through their front loops.

Materials and Specifications

The Lingering Doubts Shawl requires four 50-gram (1.76 ounce) balls of Frog Tree Brushed Suri fingering weight alpaca yarn, providing approximately 218 yards per ball for a total yardage of 872 yards. The pattern calls for US 7 (4.5mm) needles. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches measured over 4 inches in stocking stitch, and knitters are strongly advised to complete a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure proper finished dimensions. The alpaca fiber provides a soft, luxurious drape ideal for a lace shawl.