Bird of Passage Shawl

Bird of Passage Shawl by Afifa Knits Designs

Project Overview

The Bird of Passage Shawl is a beginner-friendly knitted shawl designed as the perfect travel companion. Born from a collaboration between Afifa Knits Designs and Forbidden Woolery for the Wanderlust yarn club, this shawl has been tested across four continents. It is constructed as a half pi shawl that uses a single skein of yarn, making it an ideal portable project for knitters on the go.

Finished Dimensions

After blocking, the Bird of Passage Shawl measures approximately 48 inches in wingspan with an 18.5-inch depth, creating a generous triangular or crescent-shaped accessory suitable for layering or wrapping.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This shawl employs a rhythmic combination of knitting techniques that balance simplicity with visual interest. The main body features stockinette stitch worked in a back-and-forth motion, creating a meditative knitting experience ideal for travel. The lacy edging is constructed using a carefully crafted series of increases and decreases, including yarn overs, which create a distinctive wavy border. Stitch markers are used throughout to help track pattern repeats and maintain shaping.

Key stitch elements include:

• Stockinette stitch for the main body sections
• Yarn overs (yo) incorporated into the edging pattern for lacy details
• Increases and decreases strategically placed to form the shawl's shape and create the wavy border effect

Yarn and Materials

The Bird of Passage Shawl requires approximately 400 yards of fingering weight yarn (4-ply). The sample shown was knitted in Forbidden Woolery's Justice colorway, a premium blend comprising 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon. This fiber composition provides durability, softness, and easy care—practical qualities for a travel shawl.

Needles and Notions

This project is worked on US size 6 (4.00 mm) knitting needles. Additional notions include stitch markers to denote pattern sections and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge

The gauge for this shawl is 28 stitches by 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the correct finished dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Bird of Passage Shawl is accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. The straightforward stockinette body combined with a manageable lacy edging makes this an excellent introduction to shawl knitting without overwhelming complexity.