Tramelay

Tramelay Shawl by Mathieu Arnold

What is Being Made

The Tramelay is a large crescent-shaped shawl designed by independent knitter Mathieu Arnold. Named after Bernard de Tramelay, the fourth Grand Master of the Knights Templar, this shawl measures an impressive 210cm × 80cm (82″ × 31″), making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering and draping. The generous dimensions and elegant crescent silhouette create a versatile garment that can be worn as a wrap, shawlette, or decorative shoulder piece.

Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs several sophisticated techniques to achieve its refined aesthetic. The shawl features charted lace patterns throughout, requiring knitters to work from written instructions and visual charts. The pattern incorporates directional chart reading, with charted rows knitted from right to left on Right Side rows and left to right on Wrong Side rows—a standard practice in lace knitting that demands careful attention and pattern recognition skills. The shawl construction includes strategic ridge details along the sides, which serve both structural and visual purposes, helping to prevent mistakes and maintain clean edges throughout the knitting process.

Stitches Used

The Tramelay showcases multiple lace stitch patterns across its construction. The body features two distinct simple lace patterns that create visual interest and texture throughout the main fabric. The border incorporates a zig-zag lace pattern, adding dynamic movement and an ornamental finish to the shawl's edges. These lace elements are worked in conjunction with garter stitch, which serves as the foundation for gauge measurement and provides structural stability to the delicate lacework.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: 770 meters (845 yards) of fingering weight merino wool. Fingering weight yarn creates fine, detailed lacework and allows the intricate stitch patterns to display clearly.
• Needles: US5/3.75mm needles, appropriately sized for fingering weight yarn to achieve proper fabric drape and stitch definition.
• Gauge: 23 stitches by 46 rows over 10cm/4″ in unblocked garter stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions.
• Format: Downloadable PDF pattern with comprehensive instructions, abbreviations, and techniques section that must be read before casting on.

Pattern Notes

Mathieu Arnold recommends reading all instructions and the abbreviations and techniques section before beginning the project. The pattern is designed for advanced knitters comfortable with lace techniques, chart reading, and managing multiple stitch patterns. The merino wool yarn provides excellent stitch definition for showcasing the intricate lace patterns, while its natural elasticity helps the finished shawl block beautifully to its intended dimensions.