Inspired by the structure and vaulted arches of The Colosseum in Rome, this pattern originally came to life as a one skein top-down shawl.

I was asked whether I could design a second version as a two skein bottom-up pattern - and so here it is - Doppio Colosseum.

The pattern structure is simple but effective and easy to memorise. The beauty of it is that you can use as much yarn as you want and so leftover yarn is minimal.

The shawl is based on five blocks of linen stitch and four open rows to represent the vaulted arches of The Colosseum.

Pattern Tutorial:
To accompany this pattern I have created a pattern tutorial. This is available through a private YouTube link that can only be accessed by people that have bought or been given the pattern for Doppio Colosseum.

The tutorial takes you through the notions needed, shawl construction, key stitches used in the pattern, blocking hints and getting in touch.

If you make this shawl please do upload your WIP and FO on Ravelry. It would be great to see it on Instagram too - #DoppioColosseum

Hook: 3mm (US C/2 or D/3)
Guage: 29sts and 28 rows over 10cm unblocked linen stitch
28sts and 32 rows over 10cm blocked linen stitch
Time: About 28 hours
Meterage: 710m
Blocked dimensions: 30cm deep, 190cm top edge of the shawl.

Yarn: This pattern works well with most yarns. The yarn used within the pattern is John Arbon Textiles Devonia in shade Pollen Gold. This is a beautiful wool mixture - all grown and spun in Devon, England. It comes in at 388m/ 100g and to complete the full pattern with no extra rows I used 183g/ 710m in total.

The other version shown uses Variations of Magenta from The Wool Kitchen in the 4ply (100g/400m) 50% Merino 50% Silk blend. You will need 200g to complete this shawl.

Yarn substitutes: Something with the same or very similar meterage. It can be a different blend but be aware that meterage requirements will change if you substitute yarns. Devonia has a medium twist, with very little elasticity. It has really good drape and structure when worked up.

Blocking: This is a project that definitely benefits from blocking as it means you can accentuate the sweep in the shawl to curve it around your neck.

Download Formats: You will receive two versions of the pattern. The ‘sheets’ download is set up for people that like lots of blank areas in their patterns and larger pictures (four pages in total - two pages if printed double-sided).

The second version is ‘leaflet’ style and if printed double-sided can be folded twice to create an A6 booklet. The booklet is designed so that the stitches and helpful photos can be flipped over as an easy reference whilst you are reading and working through the pattern (two pages in total - one page if printed double-sided).

US versions of the two pattern print types are also available automatically - you simply choose which one you want to download/ print.