Mary's Hap Shawl

This is my version of a Hap Shawl, named after my elderly neighbour – Mary Sutherland – who is 90 years old and an inspiration to us all! This shawl is knitted with Jamieson & Smith Shetland 2ply jumper yarn which is equivalent to a 4ply yarn. Hap is a word that means to “cover, wrap or keep warm”, and has been worn by Shetland women over the centuries although they were worn more for practical use than for show. They were also used for wrapping up babies against the worst of the Shetland weather.

This construction of the shawl consists of knitting outwards from the centre square, which is knitted diagonally; stitches for the borders are then picked up around the edges and the set-up rows knitted. The shawl is knitted in the round with the traditional Old Shale border pattern, while gradually increasing at the corners, then the lace edging is knitted on last.