Lucienne Shawl in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural - Ultra Alpaca Eco-Lucienne

Lucienne Shawl in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural

What Is Being Made

The Lucienne Shawl is an intermediate-level triangular wrap designed by Amy Christoffers. This elegant shawl features finished measurements of approximately 56 inches across the top edge and 28 inches down the center (not including decorative tassels). The design showcases a sophisticated construction method where the center panel is worked as one continuous piece to the top edge, with right and left points subsequently worked outward from that foundation.

Knitting Techniques Used

This shawl employs several key knitting techniques characteristic of modern shawl design. The pattern utilizes yarn overs as a primary shaping mechanism, creating the triangular silhouette through strategic increases. The construction begins with a single cast-on stitch that is expanded through a series of set-up rows using the technique of working multiple stitches into a single stitch. A removable stitch marker is used to track the center stitch throughout the pattern, which must be moved up on each right-side row to maintain proper stitch placement. The shawl is worked in the round using a circular needle, and blocking is an essential finishing step to achieve accurate measurements and proper drape.

Stitches Used

The Lucienne Shawl is primarily constructed using Garter Stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric ideal for wraps and shawls. Garter stitch is formed by knitting every row, producing horizontal ridges on both sides of the fabric. This fundamental stitch is combined with yarn overs (abbreviated as "yo"), which create decorative holes and serve as the primary increase method for shaping the triangular form. The pattern notation includes basic knit stitches (k1, k2, k3) and the technique of working multiple stitches into a single stitch to rapidly expand stitch counts during the set-up rows.

Materials and Yarn

The Lucienne Shawl is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural, a premium natural fiber yarn. The pattern calls for one 100-gram hank each of three coordinating colorways: #62500 Jasmine Rice (C1), #62506 Rye (C2), and #62503 Farro (C3). These three colors are strategically introduced throughout the pattern to create visual interest and color blocking within the shawl's construction. The yarn is worked on a 29-inch circular needle in size 8 (5.00 mm), or the size required to obtain the specified gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows equaling 4 inches in Garter Stitch after blocking.

Additional Notions and Tools

• 29-inch circular needle, size 8 (5.00 mm)
• One removable stitch marker for tracking the center stitch
• Waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in Garter Stitch after blocking. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch and measure it after blocking to ensure accurate finished measurements. Proper blocking is a critical finishing step that sets the stitches, evens out the fabric, and allows the shawl to achieve its intended dimensions and elegant drape.