Mountaintop Shawl

Mountaintop Shawl by Asita Krebs

What is Being Made

The Mountaintop Shawl is a square-shaped knitted shawl designed by Asita Krebs. This intermediate-level project is knitted in the round, beginning from the center and expanding outward to the edges. The finished shawl features a sophisticated construction with multiple stitch pattern sections that create visual interest and texture throughout the piece.

Construction and Shaping Technique

This shawl uses a center-out circular knitting method, a technique that allows for seamless expansion in all directions. Every second row incorporates eight strategic increases that shape the shawl from its center point into its final square form. This systematic increase pattern ensures even growth and balanced proportions across all four sides of the finished garment.

Stitch Patterns Used

The Mountaintop Shawl combines four distinct stitch sections to create depth and visual variation:

• Lace sections – Two openwork lace sections add delicate, breathable texture
• Stockinette stitch section – Smooth, classic knit fabric provides structure and contrast
• Garter stitch sections – Two garter stitch areas (one main section and a simple garter stitch edge) create ridged texture and frame the design

Yarn and Materials

The Mountaintop Shawl requires approximately 1098 meters (1200 yards) of yarn, achieved using 6 skeins of The Fiber Company Canopy fingering weight yarn (50g per skein). The recommended yarn is a premium blend of 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino Wool, and 20% Bamboo Viscose, shown in the colorway Love in a Mist. This fiber combination provides softness, breathability, and a subtle sheen ideal for a lace and stockinette shawl.

Needles and Tools

This project requires 4mm (US6) circular needles in two configurations. A single circular needle measuring 100–150cm (40–59") accommodates the shawl as it grows from center to edge. Additionally, smaller needles in 4mm (US6) are needed for small circumference knitting during the initial center rounds. A 4.5mm (US7) crochet hook is used for the cast-on only, and a tapestry needle assists with finishing. Seven stitch markers help denote pattern sections and increase points throughout the knitting process.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches × 30 rows = 10×10cm (4"×4") in stockinette stitch, measured after washing and blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the shawl to reach its intended finished dimensions and for the lace and stitch patterns to display correctly.