Florin Triangle

Florin Triangle Shawl by Leila Raabe

What is Being Made

The Florin Triangle is an advanced-level triangular shawl designed by Leila Raabe, constructed using a top-down, center-out knitting method. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated wrap featuring a finished width of 68 inches across the top edge and a center spine length of 27 inches, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Design Features and Motifs

This shawl showcases a refined interpretation of the classic Old Shale motif, enhanced with lateral braids that add contemporary detail to the traditional lace pattern. The design is framed by a gilt-edged border, creating a polished finished edge. The main body incorporates garter-ridged eyelets, which add textural interest and visual depth to the triangular silhouette.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques:

• Top-down construction: The shawl is worked from the center point outward, allowing knitters to try on the piece and adjust final dimensions as desired
• Center-out shaping: Increases are strategically placed to create the triangular form
• Garter-ridged eyelets: These decorative openings combine garter stitch ridges with eyelet details for texture and lace elements
• Lateral braids: Twisted or braided stitch patterns run along the edges, providing structural definition
• Old Shale motif: A classic lace pattern featuring increases and decreases that create a wave-like or scalloped appearance
• Stockinette stitch: Used as the base gauge reference for the main body
• Provisional cast-on: A temporary cast-on method using waste yarn and a crochet hook, allowing for seamless integration or future adjustments

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Florin Triangle requires approximately 784 yards of fingering weight wool yarn. The pattern specifies Baah! Yarns La Jolla in the colorway Masala, with 2 skeins needed (each skein is 100 grams/3.53 ounces and yields 400 yards/366 meters). Fingering weight yarn is a fine, delicate yarn ideal for creating intricate lace patterns and achieving refined stitch definition.

Needles and Tools

Knitters will need one circular needle measuring 32 inches or longer in US size 7 (4.5 mm), or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Additional tools include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, waste yarn and a 4.5mm crochet hook for the provisional cast-on method, a blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and T-pins plus blocking wires (recommended but optional) for achieving a neat, even top edge during the blocking process.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern provides two gauge measurements to guide knitters. The finished gauge after blocking is 19 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the main body pattern when relaxed. The working gauge in stockinette stitch before blocking is 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches, though this is noted as a basic reference point rather than a strict requirement. The finished shawl measures 68 inches across the top edge and 27 inches along the center spine, with additional dimension details available in the pattern schematic.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with complex lace charts, shaping techniques, and the precision required for working with fine fingering weight yarn. The combination of eyelet work, braided details, and top-down construction demands strong foundational skills and attention to stitch accuracy.