Dana-Marr Shawl

Dana-Marr Shawl by Terry Morris

Project Overview

The Dana-Marr Shawl is an intermediate-level triangular shawl design that showcases the elegant interplay between hand-painted yarn and classic lace work. This downloadable knitting pattern combines traditional stitch techniques with modern construction methods to create a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a triangular shawl with a finished blocked size of approximately 72 inches. The shawl is designed to be worn draped across the shoulders, with the triangular shape providing generous coverage while maintaining an airy, elegant aesthetic. The design is named after the pattern designer's sister, Dana-Marr, who modeled the finished piece.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Dana-Marr Shawl employs a top-down construction method, beginning at the neck edge and working downward. This approach allows knitters to try on the shawl as it develops and customize the final length if desired. The shaping is achieved through strategic increases worked every other row, which gradually expand the triangular form as the knitter progresses from the top to the bottom edge.

A key design feature involves progressive needle size increases. The pattern calls for three different circular needle sizes—US Size 6 (4.25mm), US Size 7 (4.5mm), and US Size 8 (5.0mm)—used sequentially as the shawl grows. By increasing needle size twice during construction, the designer creates an optical enlargement of the lace pattern itself, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Dana-Marr Shawl features two primary stitch patterns:

• Feather and Fan Lace Pattern: This traditional lace stitch forms the main body of the shawl, creating an openwork design with characteristic eyelet details. The Feather and Fan pattern is a classic choice for shawls, offering visual interest while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters. The gauge for this pattern should fall between 4 and 5 stitches per inch as a midpoint, though gauge will vary based on yarn choice and needle size adjustments.
• Garter Stitch Borders: Garter stitch (knit every row) is used for the borders of the shawl, providing structure and definition to the edges while framing the delicate lace pattern.

Finishing Details

The lower edge of the shawl features a simple crochet edging consisting of decorative loops. This finishing touch adds a refined detail to the bottom perimeter and requires basic crochet skills, making it an accessible embellishment for knitters who may be less experienced with crochet techniques.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern requires 800 yards of sport weight yarn. The sample shown was knit using Floss by Interlacements, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn in color #105, which provides a smooth, lustrous finish ideal for displaying lace patterns. Hand-painted yarns are particularly recommended for this design, as the color variation enhances the visual texture of the Feather and Fan lace work.

The use of sport weight yarn creates a fabric with excellent drape and breathability, making the finished shawl suitable for layering in cooler weather or wearing as a lightweight wrap during transitional seasons. The mercerized cotton fiber content offers durability and a refined appearance.

Tools Required

Construction of the Dana-Marr Shawl requires the following tools:

• 24-inch circular needle in US Size 6 (4.25mm)
• 24-inch circular needle in US Size 7 (4.5mm)
• 24-inch circular needle in US Size 8 (5.0mm)
• Four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases
• Crochet hook for the final edging

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Dana-Marr Shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in lace knitting and comfortable working with circular needles. The Feather and Fan pattern, while featuring lace elements, is relatively forgiving and follows a logical repeat structure. The progressive needle size increases are straightforward to execute and add visual interest without significantly increasing complexity. Knitters should be comfortable reading lace charts and managing stitch markers to track pattern repeats across the width of the growing shawl.