Madelon Shawlette

Madelon Shawlette by Emily Wood

What is Being Made

The Madelon Shawlette is a small, asymmetric knitted shawl designed as an accessible introduction to lace knitting. This finished garment measures 43 inches (109 cm) long and 19 inches (48 cm) at its widest point, making it an ideal size for a single skein project. The shawlette features a wide border decorated with flecks of lace and subtle texture details, creating visual interest while remaining beginner-friendly within the lace knitting category.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Madelon Shawlette employs fundamental lace knitting techniques suitable for intermediate knitters. The primary stitch structure is Stockinette Stitch, which provides the smooth base fabric for the garment. Lace elements are incorporated throughout the wide border, featuring strategic yarn overs and decreases that create decorative openwork patterns. Texture stitches complement the lace sections, adding dimensional interest to the border without overwhelming the design. The asymmetric construction means the shawl is not symmetrical, allowing for creative shaping and an organic drape.

The pattern is worked flat on circular needles, which accommodate the width of the project while allowing for easy stitch management. Knitters can customize the finished length by adding or subtracting pattern repeats, making this design flexible for different yarn quantities and personal preferences.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The Madelon Shawlette requires approximately 440 yards (400 meters) of fingering weight yarn, totaling 100 grams. The sample shown was knitted in Posh Yarn Miranda Sock, a luxury blend containing 70% alpaca, 20% silk, and 10% cashmere. This fiber composition provides softness, drape, and a subtle sheen. However, any fingering weight yarn in the specified yardage range is suitable for this project.

Needles: US size 2.5 / 3.0 mm circular needles measuring 24 inches (60 cm) in length are required for this project.

Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 28 stitches by 40 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch after blocking. The pattern notes that exact gauge is not critical, as variations will affect the finished size of the shawlette and the total yardage required.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and at least one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats are necessary to complete the project.

Project Summary

The Madelon Shawlette is an excellent intermediate-level knitting project that introduces lace techniques in a manageable, quick-to-complete format. Its generous yardage allowance and customizable length make it an ideal pattern for using a single skein of luxury fingering weight yarn from your stash. The combination of lace and texture in the border creates a sophisticated finished garment that is both beautiful and wearable.