Antipodes

Antipodes Shawlette by Truly Myrtle

What is Being Made

Antipodes is a glamorous, lightweight shawlette designed by Libby Jonson for Truly Myrtle Designs. This knit accessory features a long, narrow crescent shape that is specifically designed to twist twice around the neck, creating a striking visual presentation. The shawlette combines classic silhouettes with contemporary styling, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Construction Method

The Antipodes shawlette is knitted in one piece from corner to corner, a construction technique that creates the distinctive crescent shape while building the garment seamlessly. This approach allows the shaper and lace elements to be integrated throughout the knitting process rather than added separately, resulting in a cohesive finished piece with excellent drape and structure.

Lace and Shaping Techniques

The pattern features deceptively simple lace that is knitted simultaneously with the shaped garter body. This integration of lace and garter stitch creates visual interest while maintaining the lightweight quality essential to a shawlette. The lace pattern is presented in both written and charted instructions, accommodating different knitter preferences and learning styles.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the garter body
• Purl (p) – used in combination with knit stitches
• Yarn over (yo) – creates the openwork lace elements
• Knit front and back (kfb) – increases stitches for shaping
• Knit two together (k2tog) – decreases stitches for shaping
• Garter stitch – the primary textured background combining knit and purl rows

Pattern Features and Customization

The pattern includes clear explanations for adjusting the shawlette length, allowing knitters to customize the finished dimensions. The blocked width measures approximately 260cm/102 inches, with a depth at the widest part of approximately 20cm/8 inches. Detailed guidance on yarn requirements helps ensure knitters have sufficient yardage for their chosen length adjustments.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Antipodes is worked in 4-ply yarn weight, which contributes to the lightweight, elegant drape characteristic of the finished shawlette. The pattern requires standard knitting needles appropriate to the chosen yarn, with specific needle size recommendations provided within the downloadable PDF instructions.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as intermediate difficulty, Antipodes is designed for experienced knitters and adventurous beginners seeking to create something special. The combination of corner-to-corner construction, integrated lace, and shaping techniques provides an engaging project that builds advanced skills while remaining achievable for determined newer knitters. The comprehensive written and charted instructions support knitters through the construction process.

Format and Delivery

Antipodes is available as a downloadable PDF pattern from Truly Myrtle Designs, an independent designer brand. The digital format allows immediate access to both written instructions and stitch charts for convenient reference during knitting.