Hearthfire

My Hearthfire shawl holds a very special place in my heart: it was the first pattern I published where I felt like a “real” designer (whatever that means – thanks, imposter syndrome). It was also my first time using Shobha’s (the owner and dyer behind Serendipitous Wool) yarn.

I just updated the pattern to include a second Low Vision Accessible (LVA) PDF file and thought it would be a good idea to write an overview of the pattern.

Note: The button below links directly to Ravelry.

Hearthfire is an asymmetrical triangular shawl knit on the bias. It features a richly textured body and two different cables that run along the bottom edge. The shawl begins with a provisional i-cord cast-on, from which extra stitches are picked up to form the shawl body.

Do you love big shawls but hate long purl rows? Although there are a few purl stitches in the cable panel and along the very edges, the slipped stitch pattern (where most of the increases occur) doesn’t have a single purl stitch!

Both written and charted instructions are included, and there is a low vision accessible version (see file descriptions at bottom of page).

Sizes:
Length across neck: 52(60, 67, 74) in / 132(152, 170, 188) cm
Depth: 18(22, 26, 29) inches / 46(56, 66, 74) cm

Yarn:
700 (930, 1160, 1390) yards 640 (848, 1060, 1270) meters of fingering weight yarn

Sample was made using 930 yd (848m) of Serendipitous Wool Guru (75% BFL, 25% Nylon) in colorway Kissed by the Sun.

For substitutions, choose a yarn with good stitch definition and drape. A solid, semi-solid, tonal, or lightly speckled colorway is recommended; too much variegation may obscure the cable details.

Since gauge is not critical, Hearthfire can be made with any weight yarn – just be sure to account for differences in required yardage. Several testers used heavier weight yarns, including sport, DK, and worsted weight.

Needles:
US6 / 4mm circular needles with at least a 32 in. / 81 cm long cord

Particularly if you choose a different weight yarn, be sure to choose a needle size that gives you a fabric you like.

Gauge:
26 sts and 26 rows = 4 in. / 10cm in slipped stitch pattern (blocked)

The slipped stitch pattern for gauge can be found on pg. 2 of the pattern.

Gauge is not critical, but be aware that your gauge will affect the final dimensions of your shawl. Swatching is still recommended if only to ensure that you are happy with the fabric you’re creating, especially if you choose a different yarn weight.

Notions:
2 stitch markers
2 cable needles
Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Waste yarn and crochet hook for provisional cast on
Pins or wires for blocking (optional)

Skills and Techniques:
Required skills: knit, purl, ktbl, ptbl, M1L, M1R, KFB, provisional i-cord cast on, i-cord bind-off, 1/1RC, 1/1LC, 1/1RPC, 1/1LPC, 2/1RPC, 2/1LPC, 2/2RPC, 2/2LPC, C4F, C4B, 2/1/2RPC, 2/1/2LPC, slwyif, kitchener stitch (used to close i-cord over 6 sts)

Test knitters rated the difficulty as Intermediate. Some experience with cables is recommended.

Files

1. Hearthfire_v1.2 includes both charted and written instructions in standard sized font.
2. Hearthfire _ low vision _ v1 has black text on white background, 22-24 point font, sans serif font, no italics, and fully written directions.
3. Hearthfire _ low vision _ blackbackground _ v1 has white text on black background, 22-24 point font, sans serif font, no italics, and fully written directions.

Note: The button below links directly to Ravelry.

Hearthfire is also technically available on Lovecrafts, but that site does not allow designers to upload multiple PDF files for a single pattern. Because of this limitation, only the file with charted and written instructions in standard sized font is currently included on Lovecrafts.

If you make a Hearthfire shawl, please connect with me on Instagram! I love seeing people’s projects. You can find me there as @theknittinglinguist and can see other knitter’s projects using hashtags #HearthfireShawl and #LakeboundKnits