Ishbel by Ysolda Teague

Ishbel

Knitting
January 2009
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches
in st st
US 6 - 4.0 mm
330 - 610 yards (302 - 558 m)
S[M, L, XL]
low vision format available
English
This pattern is available for £6.00 GBP
buy it now or visit pattern website

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Pattern accessibility There are three versions of this pattern pdf available. Print (3 column), mobile, and low vision.

Knit your own version of the iconic Ysolda shawl design. With over 14000 Ravelry projects Ishbel is not only our most popular shawl, it’s one of the most popular shawl patterns of all time. Newly updated to celebrate the 12 year anniversary of its original publication in 2009, we’ve added clearer directions for new shawl knitters and two new sizes, designed to make the most of typical skein sizes.

Ishbel’s popularity is no coincidence: like so many other knitters you’ll enjoy the soothing rhythm of the stockinette centre, perfectly balanced with the simple lace pattern, combined with a beautiful, wearable result. New to lace or shawl knitting? Over the years many knitters have set-out on a creative, fulfilling shawl knitting journey, empowered by their success with Ishbel as a first project. As part of our anniversary celebrations we’re launching a free workshop and knitalong, so you’ll be accompanied through each step of the pattern. You can sign up on our website.

Construction notes
Ishbel is a simple triangular shawl pattern that can be worked in four sizes and two different yarn weights. The smaller versions make a cosy but pretty scarf while the larger versions can be worn as a scarf or draped elegantly around the shoulders. The solid stockinette centre lends simplicity to the design and adds extra warmth when knitted in thicker yarn. Ishbel is edged with a beautiful lace vine pattern and finished with elegant scalloped points.

The shawl begins at the centre of the top edge and is worked outwards to the edging. Working increases at both ends of every row, rather than every second, creates an elongated triangular shawl that makes it the perfect shape to wrap around your shoulders.

Supplies
Lace or fingering (4ply) weight yarn with good drape that blocks well.
Shown in Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering (100% Organic Merino, 475 yds / 434m, 4oz / 114g) in Mondawmin.
330[435, 610, 910] yds / 300[400, 555, 830]m.

US 6 / 4mm 24” / 60cm or longer circular

Gauge
20 sts and 30 rows = 4” / 10cm in st st.

Skills for knitting this project

  • knitting, purling
  • casting on, binding off
  • working flat
  • lace (using a chart or written directions)
  • k2tog decreases
  • ssk decreases

Helpful links
Garter Tab Cast-on Tutorial
Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-off
Yarn Overs
How to block a shawl

Low vision details:

  • The main text is black 24pt sans serif and all text is black on a white background.
  • No italics are used
  • The directions are in written form in LV pdf
  • Images have alt text

Screen readers:
The low vision version is tagged to work with screen reading software and have been tested. Images have alt text. Abbreviations are used in the directions, they are defined but may be read aloud oddly. If this is something you use we’d love your feedback on how we could improve the pattern formatting for screen readers.

Ishbel is also available as part of the Whimsical Little Knits Collection