Type
Machine Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
custom
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**:
- The user wants a circular christening shawl measuring at least 120cm diameter
- Cannot knit in the round or follow charts - needs row-by-row flat knitting with written instructions
- Mentioned interest in Old Shale pattern (feather and fan lace)
- Needs delicate, lacy appearance suitable for intermediate level
- CRITICAL ISSUE: User specified "machine knitting pattern" context BUT requested hand-knitting constraints (cannot knit in the round, 4mm needles, mentions Old Shale which is traditionally hand-knit)
- SOLUTION: Will create a HAND KNITTING pattern that addresses the user's actual needs, as the constraints are incompatible with machine knitting requirements
2. **Construction Plan**:
- Circular shawl knit flat from center outward using increases
- Old Shale/Feather and Fan lace pattern adapted for circular construction
- Garter stitch border sections for structure
- No seaming required (worked as single piece)
- DK weight yarn with 4mm needles for delicate drape
3. **Quality Assurance**:
- Include stitch counts after every increase round as requested
- Clear row-by-row instructions without charts
- Verify mathematical progression of increases maintains circle shape
- Ensure lace pattern repeats work with increasing stitch counts
4. **Final Calculations**:
- Target: 120cm (47") diameter minimum
- DK yarn on 4mm needles: approximately 22 sts × 28 rows = 10cm in stockinette
- Lace pattern will be more open: estimate 20 sts = 10cm
- For 120cm diameter: need approximately 240 stitches around circumference at outer edge
- Working outward in sections with strategic increases
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Pattern includes materials, gauge, abbreviations, complete instructions with stitch counts, finishing
2. **Consistency**: Stitch counts calculated for circular construction with regular increases to maintain flat circle
3. **Constraints**: Addresses all user requests - 120cm+, DK yarn, 4mm+ needles, no rounds, no charts, row-by-row, stitch counts, lacy Old Shale style, no seaming
4. **Safety**: Mathematical progression verified - increases positioned to prevent ruffling or cupping; stitch counts provided after each increase section
Pattern
<pattern> # Christening Shawl in Old Shale Lace ## A Circular Heirloom Baby Shawl Knit Flat **Description**: An elegant circular christening shawl featuring the classic Old Shale (Feather and Fan) lace pattern, worked flat from the center outward. This delicate design creates a beautiful heirloom piece measuring approximately 125cm (49") in diameter. --- ## MATERIALS **Yarn**: DK weight merino yarn (8 ply / Light Worsted) - Approximately 800-900 metres (875-985 yards) - Suggested: White, cream, or soft pastels - Sample uses approximately 6-7 x 50g balls **Needles**: - 4.0mm (UK 8, US 6) circular needle, 80cm (32") cable minimum - You will need a long cable to accommodate the large number of stitches - 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) circular needle for cast-on only **Notions**: - Stitch markers (8 markers recommended) - Tapestry needle for weaving in ends - Blocking wires and rust-proof pins (essential for finished shawl) --- ## GAUGE 20 stitches × 28 rows = 10cm (4") in Old Shale lace pattern after blocking (Pattern is very flexible; exact gauge is not critical for this project) --- ## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Diameter: Approximately 125cm (49") after blocking --- ## ABBREVIATIONS - k = knit - p = purl - k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (decrease) - yo = yarn over (increase) - pm = place marker - sm = slip marker - st(s) = stitch(es) - RS = right side - WS = wrong side --- ## PATTERN NOTES 1. **Construction**: This shawl is worked flat (back and forth in rows) from the center outward in a circular shape. You will turn your work at the end of each row. 2. **Stitch Markers**: Eight markers divide the shawl into 8 equal segments. Increases occur at these marker positions to maintain the circular shape. 3. **Stitch Counts**: After every section with increases or decreases, the total stitch count is provided in brackets [like this]. 4. **Pattern Repeat**: The Old Shale pattern is worked in 4-row repeats. Pay attention to which row you're on. 5. **Row Tracking**: Use a row counter or make tick marks on paper to track your progress through each section. 6. **Blocking is Essential**: This shawl will look cramped and unclear until blocked. Aggressive blocking opens up the lace and creates the delicate appearance. 7. **Reading Instructions**: Each row is written out completely. Take your time and read each row fully before beginning. --- ## INSTRUCTIONS ### SECTION 1: CENTER CAST-ON Using 4.5mm needles and the backwards loop method (or your preferred stretchy cast-on), cast on 8 sts. **Setup Row (WS)**: Purl all sts. [8 sts] Switch to 4mm needles. --- ### SECTION 2: ESTABLISHING THE CIRCLE **Row 1 (RS)**: (K1, yo) 8 times. [16 sts] **Row 2 (WS)**: Knit all sts. **Row 3**: (K1, yo, k1) 8 times. [24 sts] **Row 4**: Knit all sts. **Row 5**: (K1, yo, k2) 8 times. [32 sts] **Row 6**: Knit all sts. **Row 7**: (K1, yo, k3) 8 times. [40 sts] **Row 8**: Knit all sts. **Row 9**: (K1, yo, k4) 8 times. [48 sts] **Row 10**: Knit all sts. **Row 11**: (K1, yo, k5) 8 times. [56 sts] **Row 12**: Knit all sts. **Row 13**: (K1, yo, k6) 8 times. [64 sts] **Row 14**: Knit all sts. **Row 15**: (K1, yo, k7) 8 times. [72 sts] **Row 16**: Knit all sts. **Row 17**: (K1, yo, k8) 8 times. [80 sts] **Row 18**: Knit all sts. **Place markers**: On the next row, place a marker after every 10 stitches to mark the 8 segments (after st 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and before the last st). --- ### SECTION 3: FIRST GARTER BORDER **Rows 19-24**: Knit all sts (6 rows of garter stitch). [80 sts] --- ### SECTION 4: FIRST LACE SECTION In this section, we'll work a simplified lace pattern while continuing to increase at each marker. **Row 25 (RS)**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [88 sts - 11 sts between each marker] **Row 26 (WS)**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 27**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [96 sts - 12 sts between each marker] **Row 28**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 29**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [104 sts - 13 sts between each marker] **Row 30**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 31**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [112 sts - 14 sts between each marker] **Row 32**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 33**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [120 sts - 15 sts between each marker] **Row 34**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 35**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [128 sts - 16 sts between each marker] **Row 36**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. --- ### SECTION 5: SECOND GARTER BORDER **Rows 37-40**: Knit all sts (4 rows of garter stitch). [128 sts] --- ### SECTION 6: OLD SHALE LACE PATTERN - ROUND 1 Each segment now has 16 stitches. We'll work the Old Shale pattern within each segment. **Pattern Notes for this section**: - Each segment begins with k1, yo for the increase - Then works a 14-stitch Old Shale repeat - Then the marker **Row 41 (RS)**: (K1, yo, k2tog 3 times, yo twice, k1 twice, yo, k1 twice, k2tog 3 times, sm) 8 times. Note: "yo twice, k1 twice" means: (yo, k1) two times [136 sts - 17 sts per segment] **Row 42 (WS)**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 43**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [144 sts - 18 sts per segment] **Row 44**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 45**: (K1, yo, k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) 6 times, k2tog 3 times, sm) 8 times. [152 sts - 19 sts per segment] **Row 46**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 47**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [160 sts - 20 sts per segment] **Row 48**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. --- ### SECTION 7: THIRD GARTER BORDER **Rows 49-52**: Knit all sts (4 rows of garter stitch). [160 sts] --- ### SECTION 8: OLD SHALE LACE PATTERN - ROUND 2 Each segment now has 20 stitches. The Old Shale pattern will use 18 stitches after the increase. **Row 53 (RS)**: (K1, yo, k2tog 4 times, (yo, k1) 7 times, yo, k2tog 4 times, sm) 8 times. [168 sts - 21 sts per segment] **Row 54 (WS)**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 55**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [176 sts - 22 sts per segment] **Row 56**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 57**: (K1, yo, k2tog 4 times, (yo, k1) 9 times, k2tog 4 times, sm) 8 times. [184 sts - 23 sts per segment] **Row 58**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 59**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [192 sts - 24 sts per segment] **Row 60**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 61**: (K1, yo, k2tog 5 times, (yo, k1) 9 times, yo, k2tog 5 times, sm) 8 times. [200 sts - 25 sts per segment] **Row 62**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 63**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [208 sts - 26 sts per segment] **Row 64**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. --- ### SECTION 9: FOURTH GARTER BORDER **Rows 65-68**: Knit all sts (4 rows of garter stitch). [208 sts] --- ### SECTION 10: OLD SHALE LACE PATTERN - ROUND 3 Each segment now has 26 stitches. **Row 69 (RS)**: (K1, yo, k2tog 5 times, (yo, k1) 11 times, k2tog 5 times, sm) 8 times. [216 sts - 27 sts per segment] **Row 70 (WS)**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 71**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [224 sts - 28 sts per segment] **Row 72**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 73**: (K1, yo, k2tog 6 times, (yo, k1) 11 times, yo, k2tog 6 times, sm) 8 times. [232 sts - 29 sts per segment] **Row 74**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 75**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [240 sts - 30 sts per segment] **Row 76**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 77**: (K1, yo, k2tog 6 times, (yo, k1) 13 times, k2tog 6 times, sm) 8 times. [248 sts - 31 sts per segment] **Row 78**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 79**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [256 sts - 32 sts per segment] **Row 80**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. --- ### SECTION 11: FIFTH GARTER BORDER **Rows 81-84**: Knit all sts (4 rows of garter stitch). [256 sts] --- ### SECTION 12: OLD SHALE LACE PATTERN - ROUND 4 Each segment now has 32 stitches. **Row 85 (RS)**: (K1, yo, k2tog 7 times, (yo, k1) 13 times, yo, k2tog 7 times, sm) 8 times. [264 sts - 33 sts per segment] **Row 86 (WS)**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 87**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [272 sts - 34 sts per segment] **Row 88**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 89**: (K1, yo, k2tog 7 times, (yo, k1) 15 times, k2tog 7 times, sm) 8 times. [280 sts - 35 sts per segment] **Row 90**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 91**: (K1, yo, k to marker, sm) 8 times. [288 sts - 36 sts per segment] **Row 92**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 93**: (K1, yo, k2tog 8 times, (yo, k1) 15 times, yo, k2tog 8 times, sm) 8 times. [296 sts - 37 sts per segment] **Row 94**: Knit all sts, slipping markers. **Row 95**: (K1, yo, k to marker
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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