This shawl is inspired by the kelp beds that grow voraciously along the California coast. After the storms in winter, kelp can often be found in piles along the beaches. The air-filled bladders that help keep the leaves aloft in the water become a child’s plaything: nature’s bubble wrap.

The stockinette portion of the shawl is knit side to side with stitches being increased and decrease along one side to stop the “stockinette curl.” Once the body of the shawl is knit, stitches along one edge are picked up for the edging. The beginning of the edging has a thin line of stockinette to form the “stem” of the kelp. Then the air bladders are knit in before reaching the thick cabled kelp leaves. The whole shawl ends with a picot bind off which accentuates the mesh background.

Two similar colors are used to create the subtle look of rippling water, but just one color can be used instead.

Post your version of the shawl to instagram with #kelpforestshawl to join in the fun.

Finished measurements:
75”/ 190.5cm from tip to tip along the top edge
21.5”/ 55cm from top center to the bottom point

Suggested yarn:
The Verdant Gryphon Mithril; 750yds/ 686m per 4oz/ 113g; 100% Merino Wool; heavy lace weight:
1 skein in Forest Clearing (C1)
1 skein in Green Water Snake (C2)

OR

Approximately 685yds/ 626m (C1) and 315yds/ 288m (C2) of a heavy lace weight yarn

Needles:
Size 4 US/ 3.5mm circular needle, 40”/ 100cm
Size B/2.25mm crochet hook for provisional cast on
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Notions:
2 stitch markers, waste yarn

Optional: Additional 17 stitch markers. 16 to use between each chart if desired and 1 to hook into the first yo on row 1 of the shawl.

Gauge:
23 stitches/ 34 rows = 4x4”/ 10x10cm in Stockinette Stitch
While exact gauge is not critical, a difference in gauge can mean a different amount of yarn will be needed to complete the project.