953 Larkspur - Shawl Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Montague

953 Larkspur - Shawl Knitting Pattern for Women

What Is Being Made

The 953 Larkspur is a colorful petite wedge shawlette designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This lightweight wrap measures approximately 40 inches wide by 19 inches deep, making it an ideal accessory for layering on cool evenings. Despite its seemingly weightless construction, the shawlette provides cozy shoulder warmth, combining both style and functionality for women seeking a versatile knitted wrap.

Techniques Used

This shawlette employs several key knitting techniques that make it accessible to beginners while creating visual interest:

• Top-Down Construction: The pattern is worked from the top down, allowing knitters to easily adjust the finished size as needed
• Worked Flat: The shawl is knitted flat rather than in the round, simplifying the construction process
• Seamless Design: The seamless construction eliminates the need for finishing seams, creating a polished final garment
• Lace Patterning: Delicate lace elements are incorporated throughout the design, adding elegance and visual texture
• Striping: The pattern utilizes color striping with three distinct shades of Valley Yarns Montague, creating a dynamic, multi-colored aesthetic

Stitches Used

The 953 Larkspur features fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginner-level knitters. The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which forms the base fabric. The pattern incorporates yarn overs (yo) to create the lace elements that give the shawlette its delicate appearance and contribute to its lightweight feel.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The 953 Larkspur pattern calls for Valley Yarns Montague, a premium 100% organic cotton yarn available in a beautiful color palette. The pattern requires three skeins total, each weighing 50 grams with 110 yards of yardage:

• Main Color (MC): 1 skein in Color 02 Natural
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 1 skein in Color 14 Charcoal
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): 1 skein in Color 08 Iris

The yarn weight is worsted, providing good stitch definition and drape. Knitters will need US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in a 32-inch to 40-inch length, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch when worked with US 7 (4.5mm) needles and blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the shawlette to reach its intended finished measurements of approximately 40 inches wide by 19 inches deep.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner difficulty pattern, the 953 Larkspur is an excellent introduction to shawl knitting. The straightforward construction, fundamental stitches, and clear pattern progression make it accessible to knitters new to shawlette designs while still producing a sophisticated, wearable garment.