Pyrenees Shawl

Pyrenees Shawl by Janelle Martin

What Is Being Made

The Pyrenees Shawl is an advanced knitted triangular shawl designed by Janelle Martin. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated accessory featuring bold geometric stitch work paired with an elegant edging detail. The shawl is available in two finished sizes: Medium at 63 inches (160.02 cm) wide by 26 inches (66.04 cm) center depth, and Large at 80 inches (203.20 cm) wide by 34 inches (86.36 cm) center depth. When stretched and blocked, the shawl displays its full architectural beauty.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Pyrenees Shawl showcases two primary stitch pattern elements that work in concert to create visual impact and delicate sophistication.

• Pyrennes Stitch Pattern: The main focal point of the design, this stitch pattern features bold, nested diamonds—geometric shapes layered within one another to create striking visual depth. The Pyrennes pattern requires significant knitter attention and skill, with only 2 rest rows for every 18 pattern rows. This demanding ratio of pattern rows to rest rows makes the design suitable exclusively for advanced or adventuresome knitters who are comfortable maintaining focus through extended sequences of complex stitch work.
• Whimsical Edging Design: Complementing the bold geometry of the central pattern, the shawl incorporates a softer, more delicate edging that provides visual and textural contrast. This edging pattern was specifically chosen to pair harmoniously with luxurious fiber content and adds a refined finishing touch to the overall design.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Pyrenees Shawl is worked in lace weight yarn, a delicate yarn category that allows the stitch patterns to display with exceptional clarity and drape. The pattern requires 880 yards (805 meters) for the Medium size or 1,200 yards (1,097 meters) for the Large size. Janelle Martin designed this pattern with the intention of using premium fibers; the original inspiration came from working with Sericin Silkworks '50/50 Buffalo Silk'—a luxurious blend combining the softness and sheen of silk with the unique properties of buffalo fiber.

Needles and Tools

The Pyrenees Shawl is knitted on a US #4 / 3.5 mm circular needle measuring 32 to 40 inches (80 to 100 cm) in length, or a size adjusted to obtain the specified gauge. Circular needles of this length accommodate the increasing number of stitches as the triangular shawl expands from the top-down construction.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is designated as advanced difficulty. The demanding Pyrennes stitch pattern, with its minimal rest rows relative to pattern rows, requires knitters to maintain consistent tension and focus through extended sequences of complex stitch work. This project is best suited for experienced knitters who have successfully completed multiple intermediate patterns and are ready to challenge themselves with intricate stitch patterns and the precision required for lace-weight knitting.