Celandine Shawl

Celandine Shawl by Susan Hanlon

What is Being Made

The Celandine Shawl is a triangular knitted shawl inspired by the Lesser Celandine flower, a small yellow bloom celebrated in spring poetry and literature. This downloadable PDF knitting pattern creates a customizable shawl that can be adjusted in size and shape to suit individual preferences. The sample finished shawl measures 65 inches (165 centimeters) wide by 13 inches (33 centimeters) deep, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Techniques and Construction

The Celandine Shawl is knitted from side to side, a construction method that allows for flexible customization of the final dimensions. A key feature of this design is that the lace edging is worked at the same time as the main body, streamlining the construction process and eliminating the need for separate finishing steps. This simultaneous edging technique is particularly appealing for intermediate knitters seeking to develop their skills while creating a refined finished piece.

The pattern is designed with accessibility in mind, providing both written instructions and charts to accommodate different learning preferences and knitting styles. While achieving the specified gauge is recommended for accurate sizing, the pattern notes that variations in gauge will simply require adjusting the total yardage used, making it forgiving for knitters with slightly different tension.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch structure features stockingstitch, the fundamental knit fabric that forms the base of the shawl. The pattern incorporates lace edging along the perimeter, adding delicate openwork detail that complements the floral inspiration. These lace elements are integrated throughout the side-to-side construction rather than added afterward, creating a seamless integration of decorative and structural elements.

Materials and Gauge

This intermediate-level pattern calls for 4-ply fingering weight yarn, specifically 350 to 400 yards (320 to 366 meters) of fingering weight yarn. The suggested yarn is Artesano 100% Alpaca 4 Ply, a pure alpaca fiber available in the colorway Ecuador (8774), requiring 2 skeins at 204 yards (187 meters) per 50-gram skein.

Knitters should work to one of two gauge specifications depending on blocking preference:

• Unblocked stockingstitch gauge: 20 stitches by 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters)
• Blocked stockingstitch gauge: 24 stitches by 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters)

The pattern requires 3.75mm (US 5) straight or circular needles, offering flexibility in needle choice based on personal preference. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and 2 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points.

Pattern Format

The Celandine Shawl is available as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible for digital reference during knitting. This format allows knitters to view charts and instructions on screens or printed pages as preferred.