Dreaming of Haapsalu

In my daydreams, I find myself traveling all over the world, exploring the rich history of knitting patterns in their original locales. One enchanting destination is the small coastal town of Haapsalu, Estonia. This picturesque seaside resort, nestled along the west coast, has been cherished for centuries for its warm seawater, rejuvenating salt mud spas, and breathtaking scenery. Often referred to as the Venice of the Baltics, Haapsalu has captured the hearts of many, including the Russian Romanov family, and is renowned for its exquisite Haapsalu Shawl.

The Haapsalu Shawl is a stunning example of traditional Estonian knitting, but creating square shawls can be challenging when it comes to finishing and wearability. This ¾ square shawl design beautifully addresses those concerns! Knit from the top down, starting with a convenient garter tab, this pattern features a delightful and repetitive motif based on the iconic Nuppudega rombikiri (or Rhombus with Buttons) stitch. This shawl is finished with a captivating edge that seamlessly flows from the central motif, making it both functional and visually appealing. As you knit, you’ll surely find yourself daydreaming of sun-drenched afternoons spent in the charming resort town of Haapsalu!

This knitting pattern is user-friendly and includes comprehensive charts along with fully written line-by-line instructions, ensuring that knitters of all skill levels can create their own beautiful shawl. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, this pattern is an ideal way to enhance your knitting skills while creating a piece that captures the essence of Estonian culture. Dive into this project and experience the joys of knitting an elegant Haapsalu-inspired shawl!