Tuinn Bheaga

Tuinn Bheaga: Scottish Gaelic Rippled Knit Shawl

What Is Being Made

Tuinn Bheaga, meaning "Ripples" or "Little Waves" in Scottish Gaelic, is an asymmetrical triangular shawl designed by Liz Corke. This relaxing knit features a distinctive rippling and flowing cabled edge combined with masses of soft garter stitch, making it an ideal wrap for warmth and comfort during long winter months. The shawl is knit side to side on the bias, creating a dynamic asymmetrical shape that works beautifully as both a functional wrap and a decorative accessory.

Design and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project is offered in three sizes to suit different preferences and yarn quantities. The shawl is worked side to side using the bias knitting technique, which creates the flowing asymmetrical triangular silhouette. The construction method makes it an engaging project perfect for relaxing knitting sessions, such as watching television during the darker evenings of winter.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the shawl, creating soft, textured fabric that provides warmth and visual interest across the main body
• Cable Stitches: Featured prominently along the rippling edge, creating the characteristic wave-like pattern that gives the shawl its name
• Bias Knitting: The side-to-side construction technique that produces the asymmetrical triangular shape
• Blocking: Essential finishing technique involving stretching and pinning the wet shawl to enhance the drape and definition of the stitch patterns

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Lottie Knits Aglow DK weight yarn, a premium blend of 60% Superwash Merino, 20% Silk, and 20% Yak (212 m per 100g). Yarn quantities vary by size: 212 m (232 yds) for the smallest size, 424 m (464 yds) for the medium size, and 636 m (696 yds) for the largest size.

Needles and Tools: 4 mm (US 6) circular needles measuring 100 cm (40") or longer, or straight needles if preferred. Additional supplies include a cable needle for working the cable stitches, 3 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and blocking mat with pins for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows per 10 cm (4") measured in garter stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is important, as differences will affect both the yarn quantity required and the finished size of the shawl. Careful blocking, which involves stretching and pinning the shawl while wet, is essential for accurate sizing and to showcase the rippling stitch definition.

The shawl is available in three distinct sizes to accommodate different wingspan preferences and yarn availability, making this design accessible to knitters with varying project goals and stash quantities.