Eden Prairie

Eden Prairie Shawl by Nancy Whitman

What is Being Made

The Eden Prairie is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Nancy Whitman. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated triangular or crescent shawl featuring a multi-color construction with a generous neck edge width of approximately 60 inches (162.5 cm) and a center depth of approximately 26 inches (66 cm). The shawl is worked in a structured design that showcases color blocking and strategic yarn placement.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Eden Prairie employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern utilizes garter stitch as the primary stitch structure, which creates a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape for shawl wear. The design incorporates color blocking with multiple yarn colors worked into the construction, requiring attention to color changes and yarn management throughout the project. The pattern uses backward loop cast on (also called e-loop or thumb cast on) for establishing stitches. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases to create the triangular silhouette characteristic of modern shawl design.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout the Eden Prairie is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch provides a sturdy, elastic fabric with beautiful texture. The pattern specifies that slipped stitches are not used at color changes, requiring the knitter to manage yarn transitions carefully while maintaining consistent tension. Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and shaping points, while stitch holders are employed to secure stitches during construction.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Eden Prairie is designed to be worked with Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, a 100% superwash merino yarn. This yarn weight is classified as 4-ply, providing excellent stitch definition and a refined drape suitable for shawl construction. The pattern calls for one skein each of four colors: Oak (C1), Winter Wheat (C2), Onyx (BC), and Sequoia (C3). Each skein contains 420 yards, with actual yardage used totaling approximately 365 yards each of C1 and C2, 175 yards of BC, and 105 yards of C3, for a total of approximately 1,010 yards. The superwash merino fiber ensures easy care and durability while maintaining the luxurious feel of the finished shawl.

Needles and Tools

The Eden Prairie pattern requires US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches (100 cm) long. The pattern specifies using two circular needles, though straight needles of the same size may be substituted depending on knitter preference. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the garment.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The blocked measurements indicate a neck edge width of approximately 60 inches (162.5 cm) and a center depth of approximately 26 inches (66 cm), creating a generous, wearable shawl suitable for layering or elegant evening wear.