Blackwood is a reversible, asymmetric triangular shawl featuring elongated cable stitches.
The pattern begins by casting on a few stitches, and increasing the stitch count as you work. The pattern is worked in garter stitch, with an integrated I-cord edging, until the elongated cable stitches are worked. It is then finished with an I-cord bind off, with added optional tassels!

The pattern was inspired by my desire to design something that would work, and be possible to photograph, in black yarn. I’m a big fan of garter stitch, and of experimenting with cables.

Size (at gauge given) Wingspan 155 cm / 61 inches.
Depth 66 cm / 26 inches.

Yarn
880m / 962 yards of fingering or 4 ply weight yarn (this includes approx. 30 metres for the tassels).
If working with a smooth or slippery yarn, you may prefer to insert a lifeline before beginning the Elongated Cable stitches sections.

Sample uses 2 skeins of Countess Ablaze The English Gentleman Fingering (50% Bluefaced Leicester, 50% Masham, 450 metres per 100g skein) in ‘The Black Parade’.
This is a multiple plied, woolly yarn which holds its shape, and grips to itself a little.

Gauge 23 sts and 46 rows per 10 cm / 4 inches in garter stitch worked flat.
Finished Elongated Cable stitch is 1 cm / .4 inches tall.
Differences in gauge will affect yarn usage and finished size.


Needles: 3.25mm circular or size needed to achieve gauge, 80cm / 32 inches or 100 cm / 40 inches long - long enough for 130 cm / 51 inches bind off edge.

Additional Materials:
Darning needle for weaving in ends
.
(Optional) stitch markers.
Cable needle (or double pointed needle). Larger sizes, hooked or bent cable needles are preferable.
Card & scissors for tassels.
For blocking: pins, towel, flat surface such as towel or foam mats etc.

** 28 November 2020 - Pattern Update**
I have made some changes to the set up instructions for the i-cord bind off: I’ve added more detail to better describe where stitches are being slipped to & from.