Maria Shawl

Maria Shawl by Emily J. Designs

What is Being Made

The Maria Shawl is an elegant, elongated knit shawl designed for intermediate knitters. This piece features a shallow, textured body measuring 65 inches (165 centimeters) wide and 17 inches (43 centimeters) deep at the point. The shawl combines a main body section with a decorative scallop lace edging that runs along the entire length, creating a refined and wearable accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Maria Shawl employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques to achieve its elegant construction. The shawl is worked side to side in one continuous piece, which allows for seamless integration of the body and edging. The main body utilizes compound increasing and decreasing methods to create the elongated shape and shallow depth characteristic of the design. The scallop lace edging is knit directly along the entire length of the shawl, adding decorative detail and visual interest to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates a box stitch pattern for the main body, which creates the textured appearance of the shawl. The lace edging features scalloped shaping, typical of decorative shawl edges. The pattern utilizes standard knitting abbreviations and techniques including:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches for the base fabric
• Yarn overs (yo) to create openwork and lace effects
• Decreases including knit two together (K2tog), slip-slip-knit (ssk), and knit three together (K3tog) for shaping
• Increases including knit into the front and back of a stitch (Kf&b) and knit-yarn over-knit (Kyok) for expanding the fabric
• Slip stitches (Sl) for edge definition and pattern alignment

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Maria Shawl is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn. The pattern is shown in Miss Babs Killington, a premium yarn containing 85% Polwarth Wool and 15% Silk, offering both warmth and a subtle sheen. One skein provides 700 yards (640 meters) and weighs 240 grams (8.5 ounces), which is sufficient to complete the project. The pattern calls for US 6 (4mm) straight or circular needles, chosen to achieve a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the box stitch pattern. Knitters may select either needle style based on personal preference. One stitch marker is required to track pattern repeats during construction.

Skill Level and Gauge Considerations

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and stitch work. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the shawl to reach its intended finished dimensions. Knitters should swatch the box stitch pattern before beginning to ensure their needle size produces the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches.