Acer Shawl

Acer Shawl by Kourtney Robinson

What is Being Made

The Acer Shawl is a triangular knitted shawl designed as a winter accessory that combines warmth with visual interest. Named after the big-leaf maple species acer macrophyllum, the shawl features a decorative lace edge that evokes the appearance of maple leaves. This top-down triangle design knits up quickly despite its substantial finished size, making it an ideal project for transitioning into the colder season while remaining wearable even during the knitting process.

Techniques Used

The Acer Shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and structure. Macro lace is the primary design element, creating an open, decorative pattern that adds visual sophistication while maintaining breathability. The shawl is constructed using a top-down triangle method, which allows knitters to begin at the apex and expand outward toward the finished edges. This construction approach provides flexibility in the final size and makes it easy to try on the piece as it develops. The combination of these techniques with super bulky yarn creates a garment that works up efficiently without sacrificing design complexity.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the foundational stitch structure, providing a smooth, classic base for the design. The macro lace pattern is integrated throughout to create the decorative leaf-inspired edging and openwork details characteristic of the shawl. The gauge is established at 8 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when knit flat, which reflects the impact of the super bulky yarn weight on stitch sizing.

Materials

• Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn "Rasta" in colorway 866 Arco Iris; 100% merino fiber; 2 skeins required (82 meters/90 yards per 150-gram/5.29-ounce skein)
• Needles: One 100-centimeter/40-inch circular needle in size 12mm/US #17
• Notions: 2 stitch markers, darning needle, blocking wires, measuring tape, and stainless steel pins for finishing

Pattern Details

This is an intermediate-level knitting project presented as a downloadable PDF pattern (Version 1.5, October 26, 2013) by independent designer Kourtney Robinson through Dollybird Workshop. The straightforward construction and substantial yarn weight make this an accessible intermediate project, though the size of the yarn and needles requires some physical engagement during knitting. The shawl is designed to be blocked after completion, and the pattern includes schematic diagrams and finished measurements to guide the knitter through the process.