Shield Maiden is a crescent shaped shawlette inspired by the legendary Viking warrior maidens. Wear it wrapped around your neck as a scarf, with the lucet motif featured in front, or draped over your shoulders. The braided border is knit first in a long strip; stitches are then picked up for the body of the shawlette.

The lucet is a Viking tool used for making braided cord. The cable motif echoes this domestic tool, as well as the intricate braided hairstyles that may have been worn by the shield maidens.

I love the idea of the Shield Maidens defining their own gender roles. I like to imagine that they could both make a home, including the fibery crafts of weaving, spinning and cord-making, then defend their homes and families with their combat skills.
 

Finished Measurements: Length: 60 inches/152cm from end to end Width: 9 inches/23cm at widest point of center, including border.

Materials: Cephalopod Yarns Traveller 280 yd/256m per 114g skein; color: Maison du Peuple, 2 skeins or approx 360 yds of a dk weight wool blend. One stitch marker, tapestry needle, cable needle if desired.

Needles: US size 8/5.0mm needles for edge strip (can be dpns, straights or circulars) 32” US size 7/4.5mm circular needle

Gauge: 13 sts/26 rows = 4 inches/10cm in stockinette stitch on size 7 needles or size needed for accurate gauge. Gauge is measured after blocking! The fabric should be somewhat airy.

Notes on construction Slip all stitches purlwise wyif, in order to achieve smooth edges for both the lower border and for picking up stitches. The cables are simple 4 stitch cables and can easily be done without a cable needle.