Friesland Shawl

The shawl is knitted all in one piece from one tip to the other forming a long shallow triangle. A few stitches are cast on and then the body of the shawl is worked in a variety of traditional gansey/fishermen patterns found along the shores of the North Sea and Atlantic coasts. Increases on one side create a long triangular shape and a nifty slip stitch technique at the end of each row creates a neat I-cord edge. After the centre pattern is completed, decreases on one side edge shape the shawl into a long flat triangle.

I designed this shawl to coincide with a knitting retreat hosted by my sister ( https://buntes-schaf.de/) on the German Island of Norderney before the world shut down due to Covid-19. Eleven knitters from Germany, Belgium and the UK got together for a few days, enjoying beautiful scenery, good food and knitting, broadening their knowledge on traditional gansey/fishermen patterns and their history.

Materials (For the Sample in photo)
Nurturing Fibres Super Twist DK – 100% Merino Wool – 100g/206m
300g in Col. Straw

4.5mm Knitting Needle

Gauge: 20 stitches x 30 rows = 10cm square using garter stitch

Gauge is not crucial for this project. However, if your gauge differs significantly from that given, it may affect the quantity of yarn required, as well as the finished dimensions of the shawl.

Finished Measurements (after blocking): Width at top edge 165cm x Depth at centre 55cm