This shawl was cast-on on on a train ride from Edinburgh to Glasgow Scotland. We were traveling back from a truly grand Shetland adventure and talking about all about lace and shawls. I had an idea that I wanted to knit a traditional shawl but from the outside in. This began as proof of concept- I wanted it to use every last inch of precious souvenir yarn with out the worry of of running out.

It begins at the bottom point with easy lace edging, stitches are worked into the boarder panel then into the center panel which begins with a mirrored shetland lace motif and continues in soothing garter stitch.

The Hillhead shawl is an unfussy work horse shawl. Knitted in a minimally processed fine shetland wool, Shetland Heritage yarn is a modern replica of yarn found from garments in the collection of Shetland Museum and Archives. This is a worsted spun yarn with a soft halo that reminds me of knitting with handspun. The finished shawl is light as can be yet warm and strong.

Finished Measurements
74” across the hypotenuse
48” along the adjacent and opposite edges
28” deep, from the center of the hypotenuse to the point
After blocking

Materials
600 yards fingering weight yarn

Shown in Jamieson and Smith Shetland Heritage Light Grey 120 yards/110 m 25g, 5 skeins

Needles
US 6/4 mm circular needle, 24” or longer

Notions required
Stitch markers, stitch holder, tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

Gauge
18 stitches x 32 rows = 4” in Boarder Panel Garter Stitch after blocking

20 stitches x 36 rows = 4” in Boarder Panel Garter stitch before blocking

Adjust needle size to obtain gauge

NOTES

This shawl will adapt to a variety of yarns and needle gauges, matching stitch and row gauge is not critical. Knitting with fingering weight yarn on a larger needle in garter stitch will produce a light airy fabric that is still warm and cozy. A fiber that will bloom with washing and wearing is recommended.

1000 Thank yous to Thea Colman, because this was actually her souvenir yarn but I started knitting with it…