Universal Yarn Lina: Every Which Way eBooklet Crochet

Universal Yarn Lina: Every Which Way eBooklet Crochet Pattern Collection

Project Overview

The Universal Yarn Lina: Every Which Way eBooklet is a downloadable PDF pattern collection from Universal Yarn's Spring 2019 release, featuring designs for cardigans, scarves, and shawls and wraps. This collection showcases versatile projects suitable for various skill levels and occasions, with designs that can be worked in multiple directions and construction methods.

Featured Design: Oblique Shawl

The Oblique shawl, designed by Amy Gunderson, demonstrates an innovative and unconventional construction technique that makes it a standout project. This oceanic-inspired shawl features clean white accents paired with turquoise stripes, creating a fresh aesthetic perfect for beachside wear and warm-weather styling.

Construction Technique

The Oblique shawl employs a distinctive two-sided construction method that begins with minimal stitches and expands through strategic increases. Side 1 is worked as a striped section, starting from just 3 cast-on stitches and building outward through increases worked across multiple rows. After Side 1 is complete and bound off, Side 2 is worked by picking up stitches along the finished edge of Side 1 and working downward from that foundation. This unusual approach creates a dynamic, asymmetrical shaping that gives the shawl its distinctive character.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Oblique shawl features the Pyramid Lace pattern as its primary stitch pattern, which creates an elegant, open texture throughout the garment. The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches including knit, purl, yarn overs (yo), ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases, k2tog (knit 2 together) decreases, and kfb (knit front and back) increases. The Pyramid Lace pattern is worked over 6 rows and uses yarn overs paired with decreases to create the characteristic lace openwork. A charted version of the pattern is provided for knitters who prefer visual pattern references.

Stripe Work and Color Technique

The shawl incorporates two colors worked in striped sections without cutting the yarn between color changes. Instead, the unused color is carried loosely up the side of the work, a technique that maintains continuity and reduces finishing work. This method requires careful attention to tension to ensure the carried yarn does not pull the edges too tightly.

Materials and Specifications

The Oblique shawl is designed to be worked in Fibra Natura Lina, a linen and cotton blend yarn composed of 68% linen and 32% cotton. The yarn provides 252 yards per 100-gram skein, offering a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather garments. The pattern calls for:

• Main Color (MC): 112 Swan – 2 skeins
• Contrast Color (CC): 105 Caribbean – 1 skein
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 32-inch circular needles, or size needed to obtain proper gauge
• Additional notions: Tapestry needle and stitch markers

Finished Measurements

The completed Oblique shawl measures 59 inches across the wingspan with a center depth of 20 inches, creating a generous triangular or crescent-shaped wrap suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Gauge and Pattern Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches by 27 rows over 4 inches when worked in the Pyramid Lace pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is recommended to ensure proper finished dimensions and fabric drape. A critical construction note emphasizes binding off Side 1 stitches very loosely to maintain elasticity and proper shaping; knitters may wish to use a needle 1-2 sizes larger than the working needle for the bind-off row, or employ a stretchy bind-off method to achieve the desired loose edge.

Craft Techniques

While this eBooklet is primarily focused on knitting patterns, it is categorized as covering both crochet and knitting crafts. The Oblique shawl specifically employs knitting techniques including circular needle construction, lace pattern work, color stranding, and strategic increases and decreases to shape the garment. The pattern includes both written instructions and charted stitch patterns to accommodate different learning preferences.