Praline

Praline Shawl by Kourtney Robinson

What is Being Made

Praline is a shallow crescent shawl designed by Kourtney Robinson and presented by Dollybird Workshop. This lightweight wrap is worked from the nape outwards, creating an elegant curved silhouette perfect for layering on warm days. Inspired by the pleasures of ice cream on a hot day, the shawl combines a simple garter stitch body with a delicate beaded lace edging, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a balance between ease and visual impact.

Knitting Techniques

Praline employs a directional construction method, beginning at the nape and expanding outward to create the shallow crescent shape. This top-down approach allows for intuitive shaping and the ability to customize finished dimensions. The design features a lightly beaded lace edging that incorporates a Japanese variant of the classic feather and fan stitch pattern, adding textural interest and movement to the shawl's perimeter while maintaining an intermediate skill level.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – forms the main body of the shawl, providing a reversible, textured fabric with subtle horizontal ridges
• Feather and fan lace – Japanese variant used for the edging, creating an openwork pattern with gentle waves
• Beaded lace – seed beads are incorporated into the lace edging for added shimmer and definition

Materials and Specifications

Praline is worked in 4-ply weight yarn on a single 3.5mm (US #4) circular needle measuring 80cm (32 inches). The pattern accommodates multiple yarn options, allowing knitters to choose based on fiber preference and desired drape. The pink version uses Madelinetosh "Tosh Sock" in Torchere, a superwash merino wool offering 361 meters per 112-gram skein. The cream version features Yummy Yarn Studio "Alpaca Silk Cashmere Fingering" in Butter Pecan, a luxury blend of 70% alpaca, 20% silk, and 10% cashmere with 400 meters per 100-gram skein. The green version showcases Cephalopod Yarns "Nautilace" in Green Cobra Guppy (C04), a silk and baby camel down blend providing 400 yards per 2-ounce skein. The project requires approximately 180 size 6/0 seed beads for the beaded lace edging.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Praline suits knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore lace techniques and beading. The garter stitch base provides straightforward construction, while the Japanese feather and fan lace edging introduces moderate complexity through yarn overs, decreases, and bead placement.