Stanton Stairway Shawlette

Stanton Stairway Shawlette by Shannon Squire

What is Being Made

The Stanton Stairway Shawlette is a knitted triangular wrap designed by Shannon Squire, inspired by the architectural stairways found throughout Portland, Oregon. This intermediate-level shawlette features lacy panels with visual stepped details that echo the iconic Stanton Stairway in Northeast Portland. The finished piece is intended as a versatile accessory suitable for wearing while traveling city streets, offering both warmth and style for everyday wear.

Design Inspiration and Details

The shawlette draws its aesthetic directly from Portland's distinctive elevation variations and the hidden stairway treasures scattered throughout the city. The lacy portions of the design incorporate visual steps that rise along the sides, creating a visual reference to these architectural landmarks. This thematic connection makes the piece not only a functional accessory but also a wearable tribute to Portland's unique urban landscape.

Techniques Used

The Stanton Stairway Shawlette employs lace knitting techniques to create its distinctive stepped visual effects. The pattern utilizes standard lace construction methods to form the open, decorative panels characteristic of shawlette design. Knitters will work with increases and yarn overs to develop the triangular shawl shape and create the stair-step motif that defines this piece.

Stitches Used

• Make One Right Leaning (m1r): An increase stitch created by bringing the tip of the left needle under the strand between stitches from back to front, used to shape the shawlette and create structured increases throughout the pattern
• Yarn overs and decreases for lace patterning
• Standard knit and purl stitches as foundation techniques

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Stanton Stairway Shawlette requires approximately 400 yards of fingering or sport weight yarn. Shannon Squire used Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight yarn for the original design. The pattern accommodates both fingering and sport weight options, providing flexibility for yarn selection while maintaining the intended drape and finished dimensions of the shawlette.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. Knitters should be comfortable with lace knitting, increases, and following stitch-by-stitch pattern instructions to successfully complete this project.

Pattern Information

The Stanton Stairway Shawlette pattern is a downloadable PDF design by independent designer Shannon Squire, created in 2016. This pattern is intended for personal use only and may not be copied, distributed, or used for commercial purposes.