Extended Fall

Extended Fall Knit Shawl by Mary Triplett

What is Being Made

Extended Fall is a crescent-shaped knit shawl designed by Mary Triplett featuring an all-over leaf motif. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 19 inches by 62 inches, making it an ideal accessory for layering during autumn and cooler seasons. The shawl's crescent shape and generous dimensions provide excellent coverage and drape.

Pattern Construction and Techniques

The Extended Fall shawl is knit from the top down, a construction method that allows knitters to try on the garment as it grows and easily adjust the final length if desired. The pattern uses a single stitch pattern repeated throughout the entire design, which simplifies the knitting process and makes it accessible for beginner-level knitters. The consistent stitch pattern creates visual harmony while the leaf motif provides decorative interest across the crescent shape.

The shawl features structured edge stitches that frame the design. The right-side edges include four edge stitches worked as follows: at the beginning of rows, knit 2, knit front and back, knit front and back; at the end of rows, knit front and back, knit front and back, knit 2. These edge stitches create a finished, polished appearance.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch - the primary stitch used throughout, providing a smooth, classic fabric base
• Knit Front and Back (Kfb) - an increase stitch incorporated into the edge stitches for shaping
• Leaf Stitch Pattern - a decorative stitch pattern worked repeatedly across the shawl

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Extended Fall pattern calls for Greenwood Fiberworks Silky Sheep yarn in DK weight. This yarn is a luxurious blend of 50/50 superwash merino wool and silk, offering both durability and elegance. Each skein contains 231 yards and weighs 100 grams. The pattern requires 3 skeins totaling 693 yards of yarn, allowing knitters to select three favorite colors to create a personalized color combination.

The DK weight yarn provides an ideal balance for this project. DK weight is lighter than worsted weight but heavier than fingering weight, creating a fabric with nice warmth without excessive bulk. The superwash merino content ensures easy care, while the silk blend contributes a wonderful silky sheen and softness. The yarn glides smoothly through the fingers during knitting, making the process enjoyable and the finished fabric comfortable against the skin.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern is worked on US #7 circular needles in a 32-inch length. Circular needles accommodate the increasing width of the crescent shawl as it grows from the top-down construction.

The gauge is 28 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 19 inches by 62 inches. Knitters should knit a gauge swatch before beginning the pattern to ensure their tension matches the designer's specifications.

Skill Level

Extended Fall is rated as a beginner-level knitting pattern. The use of a single stitch pattern throughout and straightforward top-down construction make this shawl an excellent project for knitters new to shawl design. The structured edge stitches provide a professional finish without requiring advanced techniques.