Ronaes Shawl

Ronaes Shawl by Karie Westermann

What Is Being Made

The Ronaes Shawl is an advanced knitting pattern inspired by marine archaeological finds at the Ronaes Skov settlement in Denmark. This is a lace-weight shawl designed to be knitted lengthwise using garter stitch as the primary construction technique, with shaping achieved through easy short rows and finished with an elaborate edging knitted on sideways.

Finished Measurements

The completed shawl measures 190 cm wide by 60 cm at the deepest point, making it a generous triangular or crescent-shaped wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Garter stitch as the main fabric construction method, creating a textured, reversible surface
• Short rows for easy shaping without complex decreases or increases
• Sideways knitting for the elaborate edging, which is worked perpendicular to the main body
• Knit two together (k2tog) decreases to join the edging to the main shawl body

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern primarily employs garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch produces a bumpy, textured fabric with excellent drape and body. The edging incorporates decreases such as knit two together to shape and attach the lace border to the shawl perimeter.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Ronaes Shawl is designed for lace-weight yarn. The sample was knitted using Garthenor 1ply, a 100% organic wool shown in the colorway "Fawn," which is labeled at 620 yards per 100 grams. Although marketed as 1ply, Garthenor 1ply functions more like a bouncy 2ply or light 3ply yarn, offering excellent body and drape. The sample shawl required approximately 500 yards of yarn. When substituting yarn, choose a lace-weight organic fiber with sufficient body and a nice drape to ensure proper fabric behavior.

Needles and Gauge

4.5mm circular needles measuring 80 cm long are required for this project. The gauge is 15 stitches and 20 rows per 10 by 10 cm measured over garter stitch after washing and light blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters. The combination of lengthwise construction, short-row shaping, and sideways edging attachment requires solid foundational skills and the ability to read and follow complex pattern instructions.