Loughrea Shawl

The Loughrea Shawl is named after the town of Loughrea, in County Galway, Ireland. The town lies to the north of a range of wooded hills, the Slieve Aughty Mountains, and the lake from which it takes its name. The town's cathedral, St Brendan's, dominates the town's skyline.

The shape of the lace in the shawl reminds me of the popular walking trails of this region—they are not quite straight since they follow the mountains—just like this lace. The lace meanders left and right but is always heading in the right direction. 

This two-skein, crescent-shaped shawl—with both written and charted directions—is easy enough for an adventurous beginner knitter but interesting enough for an advanced one. Filled with stockinette, easy lace, eyelets and a garter border. This classic design is one that you will not want to put down and will love to wear! 

Needle:

US 6 (4.0 mm), 40” (100 cm) circular needle or needles needed to get gauge

Suggested Yarn: Blue Moon Yarn, Silky Sock, Fingering Weight, 2 skeins 90% Superwash Wool/10% Silk; 430 yds (393 m)/100 g or any fingering weight yarn of your choosing

Sample uses: Blue Moon Yarn, Silky Sock, approx. 850 yards (777 m)

Gauge: 21 sts/29 rows = 4” (10 cm) square in Lace Section pattern using US 6 (4.0 mm) needles or whatever size needle gives you the fabric you would like.

Other Notions: 2 stitch markers for edges, 38 stitch markers for lace (optional but suggested for ease), darning needle

Special Techniques:

• Knit, purl, cast on & bind off

• Increasing (yo, kyok), decreasing (s1kp)

• Working from charts (written directions available)

Final Measurements:

80“ x 21” (203 x 53 cm)