patterns > The Sweater Collective
> Semaphore Shawl
Semaphore Shawl
Short rows are a wonderful, easy technique in knitting that simply involve working partially across your project. The Semaphore Shawl uses them to create the interesting wedges of garter stitch and lace that give this design its unique look. For an extra fun touch, use a fingering weight sock yarn for the garter stitch sections and switch to mohair for the lace – the resulting contrast in textures is delightful!
FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Approximately 184cm (72 ½”) wingspan and 92cm (36 ¼”) deep at centre spine, relaxed after blocking.
YARN
Main colour (MC): Colagirl Collective Swagman (85% superwash Merino, 15% nylon; 400m {437yds}/100g), 2 skeins Primrose colourway.
Contrast colour (CC): Colagirl Collective Myrtle (70% mohair, 30% silk; 420m {459yds}/50g), 1 skein Cocoa colourway.
OR 800m (875yds) of a fingering weight/4ply yarn in an MC, and 350–400m (383–437yds) of a lace weight/2ply mohair yarn in a CC. You can also substitute the lace weight/2ply yarn for approximately 450m (492yds) of more fingering weight/4ply yarn if you prefer to use the same style of yarn throughout your project. See Gauge, below, for an important point about yardage.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
– 3.75mm (US 5) circular needle, or size to obtain gauge (at least 100cm {40”} cable length recommended)
– 3.75mm (US F/5) crochet hook, or comparable size to choice of needle that obtains gauge (used for provisional cast on method)
– Removable stitch markers/progress keepers (optional for short row sections, and for marking the RS or WS of your work)
– 2 fixed stitch markers
– Tapestry needle
– Tape measure
– Scissors
– Blocking mats and wires (optional)
– T-pins
GAUGE
20.5 stitches x 43 rows = 10cm (4”) with fingering weight/4ply yarn in garter stitch, knit flat and relaxed after blocking. Garter stitch = knit every row.
If you are knitting at the recommended gauge, you’ll need all of the specified 800m (875yds) of fingering weight/4ply yarn in an MC to make the shawl exactly as pictured. Take care to make a swatch, check your blocked gauge, and adjust your needle size if necessary to ensure you have enough yarn to complete the project in full. If you don’t have any of the same fingering weight/4ply yarn spare for swatching, you may need to unravel and reuse the swatch yarn within your project. Instructions are given in the pattern for how to modify the size of your shawl if you want to make it smaller, and the yardage amounts that were required for knitting each section of the sample are included as well (measured with fingering weight/4ply yarn, and also lace weight/2ply yarn in the lace short row sections).
VIDEO TUTORIAL LINKS INCLUDED IN THIS PATTERN
– How to work a provisional cast on using the crochet chain method
– Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind off
– How to work German short rows
– How to work wrap and turn short rows without picking up the wraps
This pattern has been professionally tech edited, and test knit. Instructions are provided in written format only (no charts required).
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- First published: February 2019
- Page created: February 22, 2019
- Last updated: September 7, 2020 …
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