Maelona

Maelona Shawl by Charlotte Walford

What is Being Made

Maelona is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Charlotte Walford. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a triangular shawl that measures approximately 43.5cm (17 inches) deep with a wingspan of 188cm (74 inches) after blocking. The shawl is designed to use just one skein of yarn, making it an accessible project for knitters with limited yardage, though the pattern allows for customization and size adjustments if additional yarn is available.

Design and Pattern Features

Maelona showcases a thoughtful contrast between geometric lace patterns and a floral edging. The shawl features a transition from small-scale lace patterning in the body to a larger-scale pattern at the border, creating visual interest and dimension. The design includes a striped stocking stitch section combined with lace work, allowing knitters to customize the laciness of the finished piece if desired.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Lace knitting: The shawl incorporates geometric lace patterns worked from charts, with the option to add additional lace repeats for customization
• Stocking stitch: Striped stocking stitch sections provide structure and contrast to the lace elements
• Chart-based construction: The pattern uses multiple charts (Chart 2 and Chart 3) to guide the lace and border sections
• Top-down triangular shawl construction: Built using circular needles, allowing for seamless increases and adjustable sizing

Materials and Yarn

Maelona is designed for 4-ply weight yarn. The pattern calls for Lottieknits Aglow Singles in the colorway Spellbound, requiring 1 skein (480 meters per 120-gram skein). The yarn composition is 65% Superwash Merino, 20% Silk, and 15% Yak, providing a blend of durability, sheen, and softness. Knitters with additional yarn can extend the shawl by adding more repeats of the striped stocking stitch and lace sections before beginning the final chart.

Needles and Notions

• Needles: 4mm circular needles, 100cm (approximately 39 inches) long or longer
• Notions: 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats

Gauge and Tension

The pattern is worked at a tension of 20 stitches and 32 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is important for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and ensuring proper drape of the lace sections.

Customization Options

The Maelona pattern encourages creative customization. Knitters can adjust the overall size by adding additional repeats of Chart 2 (the striped stocking stitch and lace section) if they have more than one skein of yarn available. The pattern also allows knitters to control the laciness of the finished shawl, providing flexibility in the final aesthetic. For those with extra yarn, additional repeats can be worked until approximately 55-60% of the yarn has been used, leaving sufficient yardage to complete Chart 3 and the floral border edging.