The Outstack Shawlette

The Outstack Shawlette by Linda Lehman

What is Being Made

The Outstack Shawlette is a crescent-shaped shawl designed by Linda Lehman and Barbara Robertson. This wearable accessory features a simple body stitch paired with an ornate edging, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking to combine straightforward construction with decorative finishing techniques. The crescent shape provides elegant drape and versatility for layering over shoulders or wearing as a wrap.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters with solid foundational skills. The primary techniques include basic knitting and purling stitches for the body, combined with yarn overs (yo's) throughout the pattern. The shawlette features a traditional Shetland edging attachment method, which is sewn or grafted to the main body following classic Shetland shawl construction practices. The pattern is presented in charted format, requiring knitters to read and follow stitch charts rather than written row-by-row instructions.

Stitches Used

The body of the shawlette employs a simple stitch pattern that allows the focus to shift to the decorative edging. The edging features one of the earliest Shetland edging stitches, which is both visually striking and historically significant in traditional shawl design. Yarn overs are integral to the pattern throughout, creating the openwork and lacy qualities characteristic of fine shawlettes. An alternative edging chart is provided for knitters who prefer to avoid ending rows with yarn overs, offering flexibility in pattern execution.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 950 to 1,100 yards of heavy fingering weight (4-ply) yarn for the standard size
• Needles: Size U.S. #6 (4.00mm) needles with a cable length of at least 32 inches; alternatively, Size U.S. #7 needles may be used for a slightly larger finished shawl
• Notions: Two stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats
• Finishing: Darning needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Blocking: Size #6 Japanese blocking pins (24 ozs) for shaping and finishing

Gauge and Sizing Options

The standard pattern is worked at a gauge of 4 stitches per inch and 6 rows per inch using Size U.S. #6 needles. For knitters desiring a larger finished shawl, substituting Size U.S. #7 needles adjusts the gauge to 4½ stitches per inch and 6½ rows per inch, resulting in proportionally increased dimensions while maintaining the overall design integrity.

Skill Level

Rated as Intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters possess a solid working knowledge of fundamental knitting techniques including knit stitches, purl stitches, and yarn overs. Familiarity with reading charted patterns and understanding Shetland edging attachment methods is beneficial for successful completion of this project.