Diamonds in the Sea

Diamonds in the Sea Knit Shawlette by Nancy Totten

What is Being Made

Diamonds in the Sea is a downloadable knitting pattern for a shawlette designed by Nancy Totten. This intermediate-level project creates an elegant wrap approximately 60 inches long and 10 inches wide at the center, featuring a distinctive diamond motif border that frames the body of the garment. The shawlette is designed to be worn as a versatile accessory piece, combining decorative diamond patterning with a garter stitch body construction.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The shawlette employs a structured construction method that begins with the diamond border. The pattern uses a cast-on of 4 stitches worked on US #2 (2.75mm) needles, establishing the foundation for the border section. The diamond border is built through multiple rows of patterning, with the designer organizing the instructions into color-coded sections: yellow rows (1–36), followed by 56 repeats of rows 37–48, and concluding with pink rows (1–36). This methodical approach helps knitters track their progress through the pattern. The body of the shawlette is constructed using garter stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a textured, reversible fabric by knitting every row. The pattern allows for optional embellishment with crystal beads, which are integrated into specific stitches during the knitting process using a bead threader.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Forms the primary fabric of the shawlette body, created by knitting every row to produce horizontal ridges and a reversible texture
• Diamond Stitch Pattern: Worked in the border sections to create the distinctive diamond motif that defines the visual character of the piece
• Cast-on and Bind-off: The pattern begins with a 4-stitch cast-on and concludes with binding off stitches using a US #4 (3.5mm) needle for a finished edge

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for 3 skeins of Knit Picks Imagination Sock Yarn in a fingering weight, totaling approximately 500 yards. This yarn is composed of 50% Merino Wool, 25% Superfine Alpaca, and 25% Nylon, providing a blend of warmth, softness, and durability. The wool and alpaca contribute to the yarn's insulating properties and luxurious feel, while the nylon adds strength and elasticity to ensure the finished shawlette maintains its shape and resists pilling.

Needles and Gauge

The primary working needles are US #2 (2.75mm), with a 36-inch circular needle recommended for accommodating the growing width of the shawlette as the border expands. A US #4 (3.5mm) needle is used for the final bind-off to create a slightly looser, more elastic edge. The gauge is not strict and is approximately 5 stitches and 5 garter ridges per inch when worked on US #2 needles in garter stitch, allowing knitters some flexibility in their tension while maintaining the intended finished dimensions.

Optional Embellishments

The pattern includes the option to add approximately 280 crystal rondell beads to designated stitches throughout the diamond border sections, marked with a ⌘ symbol in the pattern. For knitters who prefer to omit the beads, alternative stitches are indicated with a ★ symbol. A bead threader and tapestry needle are included in the notions list to facilitate bead placement and finishing work, such as weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns and shaping. The combination of diamond patterning, optional bead work, and the extended repeat sections requires attention to detail and pattern reading skills, though the garter stitch body provides a more forgiving element for less experienced knitters.