Waterlilies shawl

Waterlilies Shawl by Susan Hanlon

What is Being Made

The Waterlilies shawl is a rectangular stole inspired by a Japanese print, designed by Susan Hanlon. This knitted accessory features a knitted-on border that frames the main body of the piece. The finished dimensions after blocking are 23 inches wide by 53 inches long (58.5 cm by 135 cm), making it a generous stole suitable for draping across the shoulders. Before blocking, the piece measures 18 inches wide by 41.5 inches long (46 cm by 105.5 cm), demonstrating the significant growth that occurs during the blocking process.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. The shawl utilizes a knitted-on border construction method, where the decorative edging is created directly onto the main body rather than picked up and worked separately. The pattern includes a provisional cast-on, which allows stitches to be held and worked from later in the construction process. The use of stitch markers helps track pattern repeats and shaping throughout the project. Blocking is an essential finishing technique for this lace-weight project, as the measurements nearly double in width and length after blocking, allowing the intricate stitch definition to fully bloom.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Waterlilies shawl is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which serves as the foundation for the design. The pattern is provided in both written instructions and charted format, giving knitters flexibility in how they prefer to follow the pattern. The lace-weight yarn and intermediate difficulty level suggest the inclusion of lace stitches and decreases that create the delicate, openwork characteristics typical of lace shawls.

Materials and Yarn

This project requires 1200 yards (1100 meters) of lace-weight yarn, distributed across 3 skeins of the suggested yarn. The pattern recommends two specific yarn options: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Lace (100% alpaca, 437 yards per 50-gram skein) in color 2055 (red), or KnitPicks Shadowtonal (100% merino, 440 yards per 50-gram skein) in color Blueviolet. Knitters may also use scrap lace-weight yarn for the provisional cast-on if desired, or substitute this with stitch markers or holders.

Needles and Gauge

The project is worked on 3.25mm (US size 3) needles. The recommended gauge is 30 stitches by 44 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in unblocked stockinette stitch, or 27 stitches by 38 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in blocked stockinette stitch. While matching the given gauge is not absolutely vital, variations in gauge will affect the final yardage requirements and finished dimensions of the shawl.

Additional Supplies

Knitters will need stitch holders to manage stitches during construction, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any seaming, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and structural elements throughout the knitting process.