Saddle

Saddle Shawlette by Jill Wolcott

What is Being Made

Saddle is a nearly-circular shawlette designed by Jill Wolcott, inspired by an 1870's counterpane pattern. This go-anywhere piece combines tailored details with feminine sensibility, featuring a finished bottom edge of 67.25 inches and a back length of 7 inches. The shawlette is offered in one size and presents a moderately easy construction despite its advanced difficulty rating, making it an excellent project for experienced knitters seeking a refined, wearable accessory.

Techniques Used

The Saddle shawlette employs several key knitting techniques that define its structure and aesthetic appeal. The pattern begins with a challenging initial cast-on that rewards the knitter's effort with an intuitive construction process. Once past this foundational step, the design features an easy decreasing rib pattern that simultaneously eliminates stitches while eliminating the need for seaming, streamlining the finishing process. The interplay of delicate eyelets and bold angular ribbed decreases creates visual drama against the clean lines of the piece. This combination of eyelets and strategic decreases allows the shawlette to take its nearly-circular shape organically through the knitting process.

Stitches Used

The Saddle shawlette incorporates two primary stitch patterns worked at different gauges. The main body is worked in a Rib pattern, while a Cable Rib stitch is used for the neck trim detail. The contrast between these stitches—the flowing rib of the body and the textured cable rib at the neckline—contributes to the tailored aesthetic of the finished piece. Eyelets are strategically placed throughout the design to add delicate visual interest and contribute to the shawlette's drape and femininity.

Materials

• Yarn Weight: Lace weight yarn is used for this project, creating the delicate, elegant fabric appropriate for a shawlette with a 67.25-inch finished bottom edge
• Needles: Size 2 (2.75mm) needles are used for the neck trim, while Size 3 (3.25mm) needles are used for the main body of the shawlette
• Gauge: 6.5 stitches and 6.25 rows per inch (26 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches) in the Rib pattern; 9 stitches and 8 rows per inch (36 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches) in the Cable Rib stitch

Pattern designed by Jill Wolcott and published by Jill Wolcott Knits LLC. Photography by Nancy Rothstein.