Ume

Ume Shawl by Andrea Rangel

What is Being Made

Ume is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Andrea Rangel. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a triangular or crescent-shaped shawl with a finished wingspan of 72 inches (183 cm), making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece. The shawl features integrated lace edging worked simultaneously with the shawl body, creating a cohesive design from end-to-end construction.

Knitting Techniques

The Ume shawl employs several intermediate knitting techniques that make it suitable for knitters with some experience. The primary construction method involves end-to-end knitting, where the lace edging and main shawl body are worked together in a single continuous piece rather than as separate components joined later. This technique requires attention to stitch count management, as the number of stitches in the lace pattern varies depending on which row of the repeat is being worked. Knitters will need to be comfortable following a stitch pattern that changes throughout the project and managing stitch markers to track pattern repeats accurately.

The pattern utilizes lace construction, which involves strategic yarn overs and decreases to create openwork sections. This requires understanding how to read lace charts and maintain tension while working delicate stitches. Blocking is essential for this project, as the finished measurements and gauge are taken after blocking, meaning the shawl will transform during the finishing process to achieve its final dimensions and drape.

Stitches Used

The Ume pattern incorporates the following stitches and abbreviations:

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Knit through the back loop (k1tbl) – a twisted stitch variation that adds texture and definition
• Yarn overs – essential for creating the lace pattern openwork
• Decreases – used in combination with yarn overs to maintain stitch count and shape the lace
• Make 1 (M1) – an invisible increase worked by inserting the left needle into the bar between stitches from front to back, then knitting into the back of the created stitch with a twist
• Garter stitch – the gauge is measured in garter stitch (knit every row), which may form sections of the shawl or serve as reference for tension
• Bind off (BO) – used to secure stitches at the completion of the shawl

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Ume shawl requires 700 yards (640 meters) of fingering weight yarn. The pattern is shown worked in Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, a premium fingering yarn blend containing 90% Merino wool and 10% Nylon, which provides durability and elasticity. The yardage shown uses 2 skeins of the 400-yard (366-meter) per 120-gram skein weight. Fingering weight yarn is ideal for lace shawls, as its thinness allows the lace pattern to display beautifully while remaining lightweight and drapey.

Needles and Tools

The pattern recommends US #6 (4.00 mm) needles, though the pattern notes that needle size recommendations are flexible and knitters should select the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Additional tools required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking pins to shape the finished shawl. Blocking wires are optional but recommended for achieving crisp, even edges during the blocking process.

Gauge

The gauge for Ume is 16 stitches and 32 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch. This measurement must be taken after blocking, as the blocking process significantly affects the final dimensions and drape of the lace shawl. Achieving proper gauge is critical for reaching the finished wingspan of 72 inches.