Jawbreaker Candy

Jawbreaker Candy Knit Shawl by Taiga Hilliard Designs

Project Overview

Jawbreaker Candy is a beginner-friendly triangle shawl designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a lovely crescent-shaped shawl that is knit sideways, producing a graceful curved silhouette inspired by the colorful layers of jawbreaker candy (also known as gobstoppers). The finished shawl measures approximately 80 inches by 32 inches, making it a generous accessory suitable for draping around the shoulders or wearing as a wrap.

What You'll Create

This pattern produces a single triangle shawl with a distinctive curved edge. The sideways construction method allows knitters to easily adjust the final size by continuing to work the pattern repeat to their desired dimensions. The shawl features an elegant lace detail created through yarn overs and decreases, adding visual interest while maintaining the beginner-friendly difficulty level.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Sideways construction: The shawl is knit from one end to the other horizontally, rather than from the top down, which creates the curved shape naturally
• Yarn overs (YO): Used to create decorative lace holes that add openness and elegance to the fabric
• Increases: Knit front and back (KFB) stitches are used strategically to shape the shawl
• Decreases: Knit two together (K2tog) decreases balance the increases and maintain stitch count in specific sections
• Mixed knit and purl: The pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches to create textural variety and help define the shawl's edges

Stitches Featured

• Knit stitch (K)
• Purl stitch (P)
• Knit front and back (KFB) – an increase stitch
• Purl front and back (PFB) – a purl-based increase
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Yarn over (YO) – creates decorative eyelets in the lace section

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: This pattern is designed for Madelinetosh ASAP yarn in the super chunky weight category. The pattern requires 180 yards of yarn total. Because super chunky yarn works up quickly, this shawl is an excellent project for knitters seeking fast results.

Needles: US size 17 (12.75 mm) needles are recommended, though knitters should use whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 7.0 stitches over 4 inches. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the finished dimensions and ensuring the shawl drapes correctly.

Pattern Flexibility

One of the strengths of the Jawbreaker Candy pattern is its adaptability. The instructions explicitly note that the design can easily be adjusted to any weight and amount of yarn. This means knitters are not limited to super chunky yarn; the pattern can be worked with lighter weight yarns on appropriately sized needles, allowing for creative customization and the use of yarn from existing stashes.

Ideal For

With a beginner difficulty rating, this pattern is perfect for knitters new to shawl construction or those seeking a quick, rewarding project. The sideways knitting method and straightforward stitch pattern make it accessible, while the lace detail and curved shaping provide enough visual interest to keep experienced knitters engaged. The free downloadable format makes it an excellent resource for exploring shawl knitting without financial commitment.