Clifton Cable Lace Shawl

Clifton Cable Lace Shawl by Linda Lehman

Project Overview

The Clifton Cable Lace Shawl is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Linda Lehman that combines two distinctive cable stitches to create a visually striking wearable. This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more complex stitch work and lace techniques.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a shawl that showcases the interplay between two unique cable stitches. According to the designer, each cable stitch used in this project is distinctive enough to serve as the foundation for an entire garment on its own. When combined together in the Clifton Cable Lace Shawl, these stitches create an eye-catching design that is engaging both to knit and to wear.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Clifton Cable Lace Shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters:

• Cable Stitching: Two unique cable stitch patterns form the primary design elements of this shawl, requiring the use of cable needles to create the characteristic twisted rope-like texture
• Lace Work: Lace techniques are integrated throughout the pattern, adding openwork elements that complement the cable stitches
• Cable Lace Stitch: The pattern uses a cable lace stitch combination that achieves a gauge of 4¾ stitches per inch when fairly aggressively blocked
• Crochet Edging: The shawl includes a crocheted edging finish, requiring basic crochet skills in addition to knitting knowledge

Skill Requirements

This project is rated as Intermediate difficulty and assumes knitters have basic knowledge of knitting, purling, lace work, and cabling techniques before beginning.

Materials Required

For Main Shawl Construction:

• 1000 to 1200 yards of heavy fingering weight or sport weight yarn
• U.S. Size #5 (3.75mm) knitting needles
• Spare U.S. Size #5 (3.75mm) needle
• Cable needles for executing cable stitches
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Row counters (optional but recommended for tracking progress)
• Stitch markers (optional but recommended for pattern management)

For Edging Finish:

• Approximately 100 yards of matching or coordinating yarn
• Size G crochet hook (4.0mm)
• Size H crochet hook (5.0mm)

Gauge and Sizing Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 4¾ stitches per inch in the cable lace stitch when fairly aggressively blocked. While gauge is noted as not critical for this shawl, variations in your personal gauge will affect both the finished size and total yardage requirements. Knitters should swatch and measure their gauge before beginning to ensure their finished piece meets their size expectations.

Design Characteristics

The Clifton Cable Lace Shawl stands out for its combination of two eye-catching cable stitches that work together to create visual interest and texture. The integration of lace work with cabling adds depth and sophistication to the finished piece, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.