Wuthering Heights Shawl

Wuthering Heights Shawl by OneHandKnits

What is Being Made

The Wuthering Heights Shawl is a half-circle Pi shawl designed by OneHandKnits, inspired by the rugged landscape of the Ilkley Moors and the Victorian literary character Catherine Earnshaw. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a luxurious wrap ideal for winter wear, combining structural design with decorative lace elements for a sophisticated finished piece.

Construction and Techniques

This shawl is knit in one piece from the top-down using a combination of distinct techniques. The foundation features an easy but visually striking striped garter-stitch base that provides both warmth and texture. The design progresses to include a small section of densely worked purl shells, which adds dimensional interest to the middle section. The shawl concludes with a delicate lace edging that employs a traditional Estonian gather and expand technique, creating an elegant finished edge that showcases the lace pattern beautifully.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Forms the primary striped base of the shawl, creating a reversible, textured fabric
• Purl Shells: Densely worked sections that add sculptural detail and visual complexity
• Lace Stitches: Charted lace pattern featuring the traditional Estonian gather and expand technique for the edging

Materials and Tools

The Wuthering Heights Shawl is designed to be knit in beautifully soft and warm alpaca yarn. The pattern calls for 2 skeins of Toft Baby Alpaca Fine yarn in Chestnut (main color), which is 100% British Alpaca measuring 230 meters (252 yards) per 50-gram skein. The contrasting color work uses 2 skeins of Toft Suri Alpaca Lace yarn in Silver, which is 100% British Suri Alpaca measuring 300 meters (328 yards) per 50-gram skein. Knitting is worked on 3mm circular needles measuring 120cm in length, or as required to achieve the specified tension. Additional materials include 27 stitch markers and a darning needle for finishing.

Tension and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches by 30 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when working garter stitch on 3mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the shawl to reach its intended finished dimensions and drape properly.

Difficulty Level

Rated as moderately difficult, the Wuthering Heights Shawl is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience. While the garter-stitch base is accessible, the charted lace pattern and the Estonian gather and expand technique require familiarity with reading knitting charts and executing more advanced lace construction methods.