Llorona

Llorona Shawl by Elizabeth Davis

What is Being Made

The Llorona is an intermediate-level triangular shawl designed by Elizabeth Davis. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a large, elegant wrap measuring 98 inches from corner to corner with a 13.5-inch depth. The shawl features a sophisticated color work design utilizing four coordinating colorways of premium yarn, making it a striking accessory suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Llorona shawl is worked lengthwise, progressing from one endpoint to the opposite endpoint. The construction employs bias knitting, a technique that creates diagonal lines and contributes to the shawl's fluid drape and elegant shape. The primary body of the shawl is worked in seed stitch, a textured stitch pattern that creates visual interest and dimension. After completing the main triangular section, stitches are picked up along the bottom edge to work a decorative picot edging, adding a refined finishing detail to the piece.

Stitches Used

• Seed stitch – forms the primary fabric of the shawl body, creating a textured, reversible surface
• Garter stitch – used in sections of the pattern for structural contrast
• Picot edging – a decorative finish worked from picked-up stitches along the bottom edge

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca, a 100% alpaca yarn in worsted weight. The shawl requires four coordinating colorways: C1 (6167 Tangerine), C2 (6314 Crimson), C3 (10042 Rich Red), and C4 (3068 Baby Pink). Approximately 220 yards of C1, C3, and C4 are needed, with approximately 200 yards of C2, totaling roughly 860 yards across all four colors. The alpaca fiber provides exceptional softness and a naturally fluid drape ideal for shawl construction.

For yarn substitution, any worsted weight yarn with fluid drape characteristics may be used, allowing crafters flexibility in fiber content and color selection while maintaining the intended finished dimensions and aesthetic.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires 4.0mm (US6) circular needles measuring 60 inches or longer to accommodate the expanding bottom edge of the triangular shawl during construction. Additional notions include one locking stitch marker or safety pin for marking pattern sections and one tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge Information

The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 37 rows over 4 inches in seed stitch, and 21 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch. The pattern notes that exact gauge is not crucial for a successful project, though final dimensions may be affected by significant gauge variations. This flexibility makes the Llorona accessible to knitters with varying tension and experience levels.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Llorona shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more complex construction methods. The bias knitting technique, multi-color yarn management, and picked-up stitch edging require attention and experience, but the straightforward stitch patterns and clear construction method make it achievable for dedicated intermediate-level crafters.