Check My Stripes

Check My Stripes Shawl by Afifa Knits Designs

What Is Being Made

Check My Stripes is a heart-shaped knitted shawl designed by Afifa Knits Designs. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a generous wingspan of approximately 73 inches with a depth of 20 inches (not including fringe), making it a substantial wrap suitable for draping across the shoulders. The shawl combines multiple design elements including striped sections, colorwork checks along the borders, and a decorative fringe edge for added visual interest and texture.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and shape. Double increases worked on the edges create the characteristic heart-shaped silhouette that allows the shawl to hug the shoulders comfortably. The pattern alternates between stockinette stitch and garter stitch to create bold horizontal stripes throughout the piece. Subtle colorwork is incorporated to form check patterns along the border sections, adding visual complexity and depth to the design. The pattern begins with a small cast-on of just 4 stitches and builds outward through strategic increases, a common approach for top-down or center-out shawl construction.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – smooth knit sections that contrast with textured areas
• Garter stitch – ridged texture created by knitting every row, used for striped sections
• Knit front and back (kfb) – an increase technique used to shape the shawl edges
• Slip stitch (sl1wyif) – slip one stitch with yarn in front, used for edge definition
• Colorwork – stranded or intarsia techniques to create the check pattern along borders

Yarn and Materials

Check My Stripes requires approximately 800 yards of fingering weight yarn total. The pattern is designed to showcase two contrasting colors (C1 and C2), allowing crafters to select their two favorite skeins for a personalized color combination. The sample shown was knitted using Yarn Love Yarn in the colorways Mr Darcy (C1) and Beneath The Waves (C2), with an additional skein in Bare Naked. The yarn composition is 60% wool, 20% silk, and 20% yak, providing a luxurious blend that offers warmth, sheen, and softness.

Needles, Hooks, and Notions

• US size 6 (4.0mm) knitting needles – for the main knitting
• US size 4 knitting needles – for specific sections as indicated in the pattern
• Tapestry needle – for weaving in yarn ends and finishing
• Crochet hook (4.0mm) – for attaching the fringe edge

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 40 stitches by 44 rows over 4 inches when worked in garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions of the shawl. The finished shawl measures approximately 73 inches in wingspan and 20 inches in depth, not including the fringe.

Difficulty Level

Check My Stripes is rated as a beginner-level pattern, making it accessible to knitters who are new to shawl construction. While the pattern incorporates multiple techniques including colorwork and increases, the straightforward progression and clear stitch instructions make it suitable for those building their knitting skills. The beginner classification indicates that the pattern provides adequate guidance for crafters to successfully complete the project without extensive prior experience.