Product Description
A simple yet elegant knitted-on lace border surrounds a central star stitch panel to create this sumptuous rectangular shawl—originally available exclusively as part of a kit from Our Back 40.
After the central panel is worked flat, stitches are picked up all the way around the outer edge to create a garter stitch band that's worked in the round. Then, the knitted-on picot lace border is worked perpendicularly, and joined to the body of the shawl as you go.
Update: 6/10/2014 The individual pattern can now be purchased here on Ravelry, but kits are still available through Our Back 40.
Wilmington Shawl by Beth Kling
Project Overview
The Wilmington Shawl is an advanced-level knitting pattern designed by Beth Kling that creates a rectangular wrap featuring a decorative heart of stars as its central design element. This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for experienced knitters seeking a sophisticated accessory project with both visual interest and practical wearability.
What Is Being Made
This pattern produces a rectangular wrap measuring 58 ½ inches (148.5 cm) long by 15 ½ inches (39.5 cm) wide. The shawl showcases a heart-shaped motif composed of star stitch patterns, making it a statement piece suitable for layering or wearing as a decorative wrap. The rectangular format provides versatility in styling and draping options.
Knitting Techniques
The Wilmington Shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters:
- Working flat construction using circular needles
- Provisional cast-on method requiring a crochet hook
- Strategic use of stitch markers, including a contrasting marker to denote pattern sections
- Integration of multiple needle types during construction
- Blocking after completion to achieve finished measurements and proper stitch definition
Stitches Used
The pattern centers on the star stitch, which forms the decorative heart motif at the heart of the design. The star stitch is worked flat and creates a textured, dimensional fabric. Additional abbreviations referenced in the pattern include knit (k), increases (inc), bind off (BO), and cast on (CO) stitches, indicating a pattern that combines basic knitting fundamentals with the more complex star stitch technique.
Materials Required
Yarn: The pattern calls for 5 skeins of Our Back 40 American Classic Sport weight yarn, which is 100% alpaca fiber. Each skein contains 200 yards (approximately 182 meters) and weighs 1.76 ounces (50 grams). The sample shown uses the Storm colorway.
Needles and Tools: Knitters will need US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles at least 40 inches long for the main construction, plus 2 additional US 7 (4.5 mm) needles of any type—including double-pointed needles, straight needles, or additional circular needles—for edging work. A US 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook is required specifically for provisional cast-ons. The pattern also requires 9 stitch markers, with one in a contrasting color to distinguish the beginning of pattern repeats, along with several yards of smooth waste yarn approximately matching the weight of the main yarn for provisional cast-on purposes.
Gauge
The pattern specifies a gauge of 29 stitches and 25 rows to 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the star stitch when worked flat and blocked. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the heart motif displays properly.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Designer: | Beth Kling |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
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