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If you love wrapping up in a great big shawl, but hate knitting those long rows, then Knitting a Mansion is the pattern for you.

As its name suggests, it’s a bit of a big one; using three skeins of fingering-weight yarn, the wingspan comes in at around 200cm (80in). But thanks to some clever short row shaping, the outer large lace panels are worked across no more than two-thirds of the stitch count.

The lace itself has simple – and easily memorable – stitch patterns that are both written out and charted. With close-up pictures of the lace motifs included in the pattern, and tips on how to make sure it all lines up as you work the short row sections, you know exactly what you’re aiming for.

If you need a break from lace, then the garter stitch bands of the main colour are the perfect fodder for knitting in front of the TV. And for those of us who’ve been hoarding some special single skeins, Knitting a Mansion is great for showing them off; tonals, semi-solids and variegateds can all find their place within its panels.

Key information
Knitting a Mansion is knitted top-down, starting from a central garter tab cast-on and working outwards in bands of alternating garter stitch and lace. The pattern stripes three fingering-weight yarns, so you can pick complementary colours, or have a bit of fun with some striking contrasts.

The instructions for the lace panels are both charted and written out in full, with close-up photos included. The outer panels are shaped with German short rows, and the pattern includes links to a blog and video tutorial showing how to work them.

If you need help with any of the other techniques used in the pattern, then you’ll find tutorials on my YouTube channel.

Suggested yarn: Three 425m/465yd skeins of fingering weight yarn.
The sample was knitted using The Fibre Fox Merino Sock 4ply (425m/465yds per 100g; 75% superwash Merino, 25% nylon) in the colours Merryweather (main colour), Flora (contrast colour 1), and Fauna (contrast colour 2).
For hints and tips on yarn substitution, have a look at my blog.

Suggested needles (and notions): 3.75mm (US 5) long circular needle, stitch marker, tapestry needle.
 
Gauge: Gauge isn’t critical, and will vary according to how aggressively you block your shawl. The sample has 18 sts and 30 rows to 10cm (4in), measured over garter stitch.

Finished measurements: As with gauge, the finished measurements of the shawl will vary according to how aggressively you block. My sample measures 70cm (28in) from the top centre to the lower edge, and 200cm (80in) across the wingspan.