Cranachan

Cranachan Asymmetrical Shawl by Liz Corke

What is Being Made

Cranachan is an asymmetrical knit shawl designed by independent designer Liz Corke. Named after the rich, creamy Scottish dessert, this project offers versatility in finished size depending on yarn quantity used. Knitters can create a neat shawlette using 100g of yarn, a medium wrap with 200g, or a generous shawl that nearly doubles as a blanket using 300g. The sample shown was knit with 200g of Eden Cottage Yarns Coniston Fingering, resulting in a cosy, fluffy garment suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project combines relaxing garter stitch with decorative lace edging. The primary construction technique involves working garter stitch for the body, which creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. The shawl features a beautiful lace edge that adds visual flare and elegance to the asymmetrical silhouette. Blocking is an essential finishing technique for this design—the pattern specifies hard blocking and pinning out while wet to achieve proper drape and final dimensions.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: The dominant stitch throughout the body, created by knitting every row. This stitch produces the decadent, relaxing texture that characterizes the shawl and contributes to its cosy appeal.
• Lace Stitch: Featured on the shawl's edge to create an elegant, flared border that contrasts beautifully with the solid garter stitch body.

Materials and Specifications

The pattern provides three yardage options accommodating different finished sizes: 360 meters (394 yards) for the smallest shawlette, 720 meters (788 yards) for the medium size, or 1080 meters (1182 yards) for the largest blanket-like wrap.

The sample was created using Eden Cottage Yarns Coniston Fingering, a luxury blend composed of 56% Extrafine Superwash Merino and 44% Superkid Mohair, offering 394 yards per 100g. This yarn weight is classified as 4 ply, providing excellent stitch definition for both the garter stitch body and lace edge.

Needles required: 3 mm (US 2.5) circular needles measuring 100 cm (40") or longer, or straight needles of the same size. Circular needles are recommended for managing the increasing number of stitches as the asymmetrical shawl grows.

Gauge: 22 stitches and 38 rows measure 10 cm (4") in garter stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is important, as differences will affect both yarn consumption and final shawl dimensions. The pattern notes that gauge variations may require adjustments to yardage requirements.