Rathlin Island Shawl by Brenda Brayfield

Rathlin Island Shawl

Knitting
November 2024
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette Stitch
US 5 - 3.75 mm
135 - 432 yards (123 - 395 m)
Custom Sizes
English
This pattern is available for C$8.00 CAD buy it now

Rathlin Island is the fourth shawl in the Petite Possibilities Collection. It is a shallow, crescent-shaped shawl, knit sideways from tip-to-tip. It starts at one tip, and is worked with increases on one edge until the desired width is achieved. The short middle section continues in this width, and then the second side is worked with decreases to the opposite tip.

The slipstitch lines begin and end with decorative “puffs”. Easy, and fun to knit, the teardrop bobble was developed specifically for this shawl.

The body is worked with knit and slip stitches - no purls.

Rathlin Island offers many sweet possibilities and will check many names on your gift-giving list. In addition to the main pattern, you will also receive the pattern for a classic “no-bobble” shawl, a bead-embellished shawl, a buttoned cowl, and a unisex scarf.

Rathlin Classic showcases the charm of slipstitch lines on a garter stitch background. This is a simple and sophisticated choice.

Raindrops in Rathlin incorporates beads into the design. This eye-catching effect will add bling and sparkle to your knitting. Size 6 glass beads are applied individually with a small, steel crochet hook.

Rathlin Scarf is perfect for anyone who prefers simple, uncomplicated style. Built-in faux I-cord provides clean, polished edges to this reversible, unisex scarf. The scarf starts and ends with an I-cord Bind Off.

Rathlin Cowl is simple to knit and easy to wear. This crossover, buttoned cowl starts and ends with an I-cord Bind Off. It will keep you toasty warm without the length and bulk of a full scarf.

All of the Rathlin projects are easily customizable to your desired size, and the amount of yarn you have available.

Size options with detailed instructions and photos can be found in a separate PDF titled Rathlin Possibilities.

Designed for fingering weight yarn, Rathlin Island shawls will be equally pretty in a Sport or DK yarn. Several test knitters chose this option.

The pattern includes row-by-row instructions with stitch counts for every row, and handy tables to help you keep track of your progress. The pattern is not charted.

As a fun bonus you will also receive the Rathlin Island Cuff pattern. The cuff is an attractive, finishing touch to your lovely shawl.

TIPS AND TRICKS is a separate 5-page PDF. It contains extra information on all the key details of the shawl. As an experienced knitting instructor, I love to share helpful tips, and offer lots of advice!

SKILL LEVEL - Well within the capabilities of an adventurous beginner, but interesting enough for an experienced knitter to enjoy.

Heartfelt thanks to my enthusiastic, dedicated team of test knitters. Your commitment of time, your expertise, and valuable feedback are greatly appreciated. Please go to Projects to admire their beautiful scarves and shawls.

Special thanks to Jaedyn and Tara of Midnight Cravings Yarn Company, SK, Canada, for your amazingly beautiful yarn. Your inspiring colours are truly wonderful and the yarn is a pleasure to knit. Every stitch is a joy!

Shawls are knit with Midknit Cravings Light Sock Yarn.
Shawl 1: Afternoon Tea 8”/20 cm x 66”/165 cm (424 yd/388 m)
Shawl 2: Sage Advice 6.5”/17 cm x 59”/150 cm (324 yds/297 m)
Shawl 3: Margarita 5.5”/14 cm x 51”/130 cm (250 yds/229 m)
Shawl 4: Whisper 4”/10 cm x 37”/94 cm (132 yd/121 m)

Classic 1: Rosewater 8.5”/22 cm x 65”/165 cm (354 yds/324 m)
Classic 2: Sangria 9”/23 cm x 68”/173 cm (430 yd/394 m)

Rathlin Scarf: Berroco Vintage DK 6”/15 cm x 78”/198 cm (502 yds/460 m)
Rathlin Cowl: Berroco Vintage DK 5.5”/14 cm x 28”/72 cm (170 yds/156 m)

You will receive 8 PDF files
RATHLIN ISLAND SHAWL (Shawl 1) – 7 pages
RATHLIN CLASSIC – 6 pages
RAINDROPS IN RATHLIN – 6 pages
RATHLIN SCARF – 3 pages
RATHLIN COWL – 4 pages
RATHLIN POSSIBILITIES (Shawls 2, 3 & 4) – 4 pages
RATHLIN ISLAND CUFF – 3 pages
RATHLIN ISLAND TIPS AND TRICKS – 5 pages

Rathlin is a breathtakingly beautiful island off the coast of County Antrim, and is Northern Ireland’s most northerly point.

Rathlin Island is home to a diverse array of seabirds and wildlife. Chief among these are the puffins, which typically call the island home between April and July.

The knitted “puffs” or bobbles in this shawl symbolize the sharply dressed black-and-white seabird with a huge, multicoloured bill, who make their home on Rathlin Island.