Weldon’s Mystery Project: Eis Wool Shawl

The “Eis Wool Shawl” from Weldon’s Practical Crochet, Third Series (in Weldon’s Practical Needlework, Volume 1) lacks an illustration. The project featured in Weldon’s Practical Needlework is the latest installment in our series of mysterious Victorian crochet projects. Join us, and chain on!

Here is the pattern as it was published in 1886, with neither corrections nor alterations.

EIS WOOL SHAWL

The shawl is commenced in the centre. Make a chain of 5 stitches join round. 1st round—3 chain, 1 double crochet in the circle, repeat three times more. 2nd round—3 chain, 1 double crochet in the centre of the three chain of last round, 3 chain, 1 double crochet in the same place, repeat three times more. 3rd round—3 chain, 1 double crochet under the three chain of the last round, 3 chain, 1 double crochet under the next three chain, 3 chain, 1 double crochet in the same place, repeat three times more. Continue working in the same manner, straight along the four sides and increasing at each corner until the shawl is large enough. Add a border of fringe.

The pattern seems simple enough, but please remember, British crochet terms differ from those used in the United States. Here’s a handy translation of the English crochet terms:

Grab your crochet hook and some wool yarn to re-create this vintage shawl. Then send a photo to us at piecework@longthreadmedia.com. We’d love to see the finished project!

Happy crocheting!
Elizabeth

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