Crossfield Shawl

Crossfield Shawl by Laura Chau

What Is Being Made

The Crossfield Shawl is a lightweight, airy square shawl measuring 28 inches (71 centimeters) when blocked. Designed by Laura Chau, this versatile accessory combines the delicate aesthetic of a silk scarf or bandana with the craftsmanship of hand-knit laceweight yarn. The finished shawl can be worn folded and tied, draped over the shoulders, or styled in any manner you would wear a traditional bandana. Due to its elegant construction, the Crossfield Shawl also functions beautifully as a baby blanket or lap blanket when worked in heavier yarn weights for a larger finished size.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs straightforward stockinette stitch as its primary fabric technique, making it accessible to knitters with foundational skills. The shawl is worked in the round, which creates a seamless construction and allows for continuous knitting without breaks. The most visually striking element is the garland lace edging, which adds an intricate, decorative border that contrasts beautifully with the simple stockinette body. The combination of basic stockinette with decorative lace edging demonstrates how texture and stitch pattern can transform a simple construction into an elegant finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Details

• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the main body of the shawl, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Garland Lace Edging: A decorative lace pattern that frames the perimeter of the finished square, adding visual interest and an airy quality

Yarn and Materials

The Crossfield Shawl is designed for laceweight yarn, requiring approximately 815 yards (745 meters) of yarn. The pattern was photographed using The Woolen Rabbit Whisper in the Chocolate Chambord colorway, which is composed of 100% merino wool. The original skein contains 1700 yards per 235 grams, and less than half a skein is needed to complete the project, making this an excellent pattern for using yarn from your stash or trying a luxury fiber without significant yardage commitment.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires US 2.5 / 3mm needles in two configurations to accommodate the shawl's growth during knitting. Double-pointed needles in US 2.5 / 3mm are used for the initial small circumference rounds. As the shawl expands, knitters transition to circular needles measuring 24 to 32 inches (60 to 80 centimeters) in length, changing needle length as required to comfortably accommodate the increasing number of stitches. Additional notions include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends after blocking.

Pattern Summary

The Crossfield Shawl represents an ideal intermediate knitting project that balances simplicity with elegance. Its construction in stockinette stitch in the round makes it meditative and straightforward to knit, while the garland lace edging provides visual sophistication and a rewarding technical element. The laceweight yarn creates the characteristic delicate, airy quality that makes this shawl reminiscent of fine silk accessories. Whether worn as a fashionable accessory or repurposed as a blanket in heavier yarn weights, the Crossfield Shawl offers versatility and timeless appeal to knitters seeking a refined, wearable project.