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Portia's Sail Pattern

Portia's Sail Pattern
4.4★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.8K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Snug Essential

Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.

About This Portia's Sail Pattern

Portia's Sail is a single-skein 4ply fingering shawl inspired by the sail of a ship, worked from a tiny cast-on point to a wide wingspan. The design mixes garter stitch with dropped-stitch lace panels and eyelets for an airy, flowing finish. Shaping and repeat sections create a striking sail-like silhouette that blocks beautifully.

Portia's Sail Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Worked on 3.5mm needles with an optional change to 4.5mm for casting off, this pattern uses one 100g skein (400m/437yds). The finished blocked shawl measures approximately 179cm wingspan by 47cm deep.

Why You'll Love This Portia's Sail Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple garter stitch with playful dropped-stitch lace to create movement and texture. I enjoy how the shawl grows quickly from a tiny four-stitch cast on into a dramatic sail shape. The pattern is satisfying to knit—repetitive enough to be meditative but with enough variation to keep you engaged. Blocking opens the lace beautifully and gives the edge a graceful, waving finish that I find irresistible.

Portia's Sail Pattern step 1 - construction progress Portia's Sail Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Portia's Sail Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Portia's Sail Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with colourways in this pattern; try a tonal or variegated fingering yarn to give the dropped-stitch panels extra visual interest.

You can make a chunkier, cozier version by using a heavier yarn and larger needles—adjusting needle size will change both drape and final dimensions.

I sometimes add small beads into the YO holes on the return row for a subtle sparkle along the lace edge; place beads before you knit the corresponding stitch.

To vary the edge, consider adding a simple picot bind-off instead of the loose cast off for a delicate scalloped finish.

If you want a longer tail, continue the repeat sequence one or two extra times before finishing to increase wingspan and depth.

I occasionally substitute a silk-fingering yarn for added sheen and drape; this produces a more luxurious, flowing shawl perfect for evening wear.

For a mini version suitable as a neck scarf, use thinner yarn and smaller needles and stop earlier in the pattern to reduce wingspan.

I like playing with blocking techniques: pinning points evenly gives a classic triangle, while random pinning creates a wavy sail effect that feels dynamic and playful.

Try adding a contrast-colour knitted-on i-cord edge for a pop of colour and a clean finished border that frames the lace beautifully.

Finally, photograph and document each change you make; I keep short notes on needle size and yarn so I can reproduce a favourite variation later.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the initial slipped stitch at the start of each row can distort the shaping; always Slp1 at the beginning of every row as instructed. ✗ Forgetting to knit into the back of the stitch for Kfb means you will miss the extra stitch needed for shaping; perform the Kfb exactly where noted to maintain edge increases. ✗ Not dropping or catching the Yoo (double yarn over) correctly will change hole sizes and lace effect; work the Yoo and subsequent drops as written and practice tension on a swatch. ✗ Changing needle sizes mid-pattern without adjusting tension can produce a tight or loose bind off; switch to the larger 4.5mm needle only for a loose cast off as directed. ✗ Neglecting to block the shawl prevents lace and dropped stitch areas from opening up fully; pin out the YO lace edge into points for the intended sail-like curve.

Portia's Sail Pattern

Create a graceful, Outlander-inspired shawl with Portia's Sail. This single-skein 4ply fingering shawl uses dropped stitches, eyelets and shaping to produce a sail-like triangular wrap. You'll enjoy the flowing lace panels and simple garter stitch body as it grows from a small cast-on to a dramatic wingspan. Perfect for gifting or wearing on cool evenings.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Portia's Sail Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    4ply / Fingering weight yarn, 1 x 100g skein (approx 400m / 437yds) - Honey Girl Farms Yarns Royal Fingering in colourway Moroccan Blue
  • 02
    Single 4ply skein will produce a shawl approx 179cm wingspan by 47cm deep when blocked

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Knitting needles 3.5mm (US)
  • 02
    Knitting needles 4.5mm (US) for loose bind off
  • 03
    Stitch marker (optional)
  • 04
    Tapestry (darning) needle for weaving in ends
  • 05
    Pins for blocking (to shape YO lace edge)
  • 06
    Blocking surface (mats or towels)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Materials :

Info :

Needles…. 3.5mm US and 4.5mm US. Yarn…. I have used Honey Girl Farms Yarns seen here in Royal Fingering in colourway Moroccan Blue. 1 x 100g skein of 400m/437yrds

— Abbreviations :

Infos :

K…Knit. P…Purl. Slp1… slip the first stitch from the left to right needle without working the stitch. Yoo… wrap the yarn over the needle twice. K2tg… knit the next two stitches together. Yo… wrap the yarn around the needle once. Kfb..knit the stitch as normal but before transferring it to the right hand needle, also knit into the back of the stitch creating an extra stitch. If you like to work to a gauge its 12 sts x 14 rows in garter stitch. It isn’t strictly needed for this pattern. I have written the pattern here in the order it needs to be worked from the casting on point to casting off.

— Pattern Instructions :

Info :

Set Up

Row 1 :

Cast on 4sts with 3.5mm needle

Row 2 :

Row 1. Slp1, knit to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 3 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into back of next stitch, knit to the last 2 sts, k2tg

Info :

Repeat these 2 rows twice more

Info :

1.Now work..

Row 4 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, yoo, k1, yoo, knit all stitches to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 5 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into the back of the next stitch, knit to the yoo, drop the yoo, k1, drop yoo, knit 1, k2tg

Info :

Repeat these 2 rows a further 29 times

Info :

2.Now work..

Row 6 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, (yoo, k1) repeat the bracket across to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 7 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into the back of the next stitch, (drop yoo, k1) repeat the bracket to the last 2 sts, k2tg

Info :

Repeat these 2 rows twice more

Info :

3.Now work..

Row 8 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, yoo, k1, yoo, knit all stitches to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 9 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into the back of the next stitch, knit to the yoo, drop the yoo, k1, drop yoo, knit 1, k2tg

Info :

Repeat these 2 rows a further 19 times

Info :

4.Now work..

Row 10 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, yoo, k1, yoo, k1, (k2tg, yo) repeat the bracket 10 times across the row, knit all remaining stitches to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 11 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into the back of the next stitch, knit to the yoo, drop yoo, k1, drop yoo, k1, k2tg

Info :

Repeat these two rows another 9 times, each time increasing the (k2tg, yo) bracket by one repeat.

Info :

5.Now work..

Row 12 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, (yoo, k1) repeat the bracket across to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 13 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into the back of the next stitch, (drop yoo, k1) repeat the bracket to the last 2 sts, k2tg

Info :

6.Now work..

Row 14 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, yoo, k1, yoo, k1, (k2tg, yo) repeat the bracket 21 times across the row, knit all stitches to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 15 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into the back of the next stitch, knit to the yoo, drop yoo, k1, drop yoo, k1, k2tg

Info :

Repeat these two rows another 14 times, each time increasing the (k2tg, yo) bracket by one repeat.

Info :

7.Now work..

Row 16 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, (yoo, k1) repeat the bracket 90 times, then knit across to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 17 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into the back of the next stitch, (drop yoo, k1) repeat the bracket to the last yoo, and then knit to the last 2 sts, k2tg

Info :

8.Now work..

Row 18 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, yoo, k1, yoo, k1, (k2tg, yo) repeat the bracket 36 times across the row, knit all stitches to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 19 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into the back of the next stitch, knit to the yoo, drop yoo, k1, drop yoo, k1, k2tg

Info :

Repeat these two rows twice more, each time increasing the (k2tg, yo) bracket by one repeat.

Info :

9.Now work..

Row 20 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, yoo, k1, yoo, knit all stitches to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 21 :

Row 2. Slp1, k2, yo, knit into the back of the next stitch, knit to the yoo, drop the yoo, k1, drop yoo, knit 1, k2tg

Info :

Repeat these 2 rows a further 16 times

Info :

10.Now work..

Row 22 :

Row 1. Slp1, k2, yoo, k1, yoo, knit all the stitches to the last stitch, yo, kfb

Row 23 :

Row 2. Slp1, (k2tg, yo) repeat the bracket to the last stitch before the yoo, k1, drop yoo, k1, drop yoo, k1, k2tg

Info :

Change to 4.5mm needle and loosely cast off all stitches.

Info :

Sew in the ends and block the shawl to open up the lace areas.

Info :

I have used pins to block the yoo lace edge into random points, this gives the shawl a slight waved edge as if the sail is blowing in the wind, or you can of course block it straight.

Info :

Blocked finished measurements are,179cm wing span by 47cm deep approx

Assembly Instructions

  • After casting off, sew in all loose ends neatly using a tapestry needle and matching yarn to hide tails.
  • Change to the 4.5mm needle only for a loose bind-off to maintain a soft, flexible edge before blocking.
  • Block the shawl by pinning the YO lace edge into random points to create a waved sail-like edge, or block straight if preferred.
  • Use rust-proof pins and a suitable blocking surface, spacing pins evenly along lace points so the dropped-stitch panels open cleanly.
  • Weave in ends on the wrong side and trim any excess yarn after blocking for a neat professional finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Change to a larger needle (4.5mm) only for a loose cast off to avoid a tight edge that will distort the lace.
  • 💡Block the shawl to open up the dropped stitch and eyelet areas; pins in random points will give a gentle waved sail effect.
  • 💡Work the Kfb increases and K2tg decreases exactly as written to maintain correct stitch counts and shaping.
  • 💡Keep a consistent tension, especially when working YO and dropping the extra wraps, so lace holes remain even.
  • 💡Practice the Yoo and drop sequence on a small swatch if you are unfamiliar with wrapping twice and dropping later.

This Portia's Sail shawl was designed to evoke the curve and motion of a ship's sail, worked in a single 4ply skein for economical elegance. The dropped stitches and eyelets give a beautiful openwork that blooms with blocking. Enjoy knitting and wearing this airy, Outlander-inspired piece—happy knitting! 🧶🌊

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

Blocked finished measurements are approximately 179cm wingspan by 47cm deep when worked in the recommended yarn and blocked as shown.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can but it will change the final size and drape; choose an appropriate needle size for your yarn and expect a different wingspan and depth.

Do I need prior knitting experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; basic skills like knitting, purling, yarn overs, K2tog, and Kfb are required for the shaping and lace.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most knitters finish this shawl in about 5-7 hours, though time will vary with experience, yarn choice, and blocking time.