CarryDee shawl

CarryDee Shawl by Petra Christel Breakstone

Project Overview

The CarryDee shawl is an understated, elegant triangular shawl design that combines decorative lace elements with classic stockinette stitch sections. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a romantic, wearable accessory with refined construction techniques and thoughtful stitch placement.

Finished Dimensions

When finished and blocked, the CarryDee shawl measures 61 inches in overall length and 17 inches in width, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Knitting Techniques and Stitch Work

This shawl showcases multiple knitting techniques that build visual interest and structure:

• Tree lace border — A decorative lace pattern that frames the shawl's edges with an organic, flowing aesthetic
• Herringbone lace panel — A central lace motif that creates a distinctive geometric pattern through strategic yarn overs and decreases
• Stockinette stitch sections — Simple, smooth knit stitches that provide visual contrast to the lace elements and form the main body of the shawl
• Triangular edge stitch — A finishing technique that frames the longer stockinette portions and creates the shawl's characteristic triangular silhouette

Essential Stitches and Abbreviations

The CarryDee shawl uses fundamental knitting abbreviations and techniques including:

• K — knit stitch
• P — purl stitch
• K2tog — knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
• SK2P — slip one stitch, knit the next two stitches together, and pass the slipped stitch over (a centered double decrease commonly used in lace)
• CO — cast on
• BO — bind off
• sl m — slip marker
• pl m — place marker
• rep — repeat
• RS — right side (knit side)

Yarn and Materials

The CarryDee shawl is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn. The pattern sample was created using Five Wise Owls Pima cotton in the Flaxen Amber colorway. This yarn is available at www.yarnz2go.com and comes in skeins of 218 yards per 100 grams. The completed shawl shown required 256 grams of yarn, though additional yardage can be added in Part 2 of the pattern to extend the shawl's length if desired.

Tools and Equipment

This project requires a US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (81 cm) in length. The circular needle format accommodates the large number of stitches and allows for comfortable knitting of the triangular shawl construction.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the CarryDee shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace patterns and manage increases and decreases. The combination of stockinette sections with lace panels provides an approachable introduction to lace knitting within a structured, elegant project.