Nice 'n Easy Shawl

Nice 'n Easy Shawl by Michael Harrigan

Project Overview

The Nice 'n Easy Shawl is a triangular knit shawl designed by Michael Harrigan. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated construction using hand-dyed British wool yarn worked in alternating colorways to create a striking striped pattern. The finished shawl measures 57 x 32 inches (145 x 81 centimeters) after blocking, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Knitting Techniques and Stitch Patterns

This shawl demonstrates several key knitting techniques that make it accessible to intermediate knitters while producing professional results. The construction begins with a small cast-on and uses strategic yarn overs to create increases that shape the triangular silhouette. The pattern alternates between two distinct stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture variation throughout the piece.

• Garter Eyelet Stitch: This technique combines garter stitch (knit on both right-side and wrong-side rows) with yarn overs to create decorative holes. The eyelets add an airy, lacy quality to sections of the shawl while maintaining the structural integrity of garter stitch.
• Stockinette Stitch: Alternating sections of stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) provide smooth, refined areas that contrast with the textured garter sections.
• Yarn Overs: Used both for shaping increases and for creating the eyelet details, yarn overs are fundamental to this design's construction and aesthetic.
• Color Blocking: The pattern incorporates color changes between hand-dyed colorways, creating horizontal stripes that enhance the visual design without requiring complex colorwork techniques.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Nice 'n Easy Shawl is designed to be worked with 4-ply weight yarn, which provides excellent stitch definition and drape. The recommended yarn is Ripples Crafts Hand Dyed Yarn in the QUINAG 4 PLY weight. This yarn is 100% Bluefaced Leicester wool, a premium British fiber known for its softness, elasticity, and lustrous appearance. Each 100-gram skein provides 400 meters of yardage, and the pattern requires two skeins total: one in the Moonshine colorway (color A) and one in Assynt Storms or a similar variegated colorway (color B).

Needles and Gauge

This project is worked on US size 3 (3.25 millimeter) needles, which is appropriate for 4-ply yarn and creates a fabric with good stitch definition. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the correct finished measurements after blocking.

Additional Supplies

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a stitch marker to track the center point of the triangular shawl as it expands, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion. The shawl benefits from blocking to achieve its final dimensions and to even out the stitch patterns.

Skill Level and Construction Method

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this shawl is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques including casting on, knit and purl stitches, yarn overs, and color changes. The pattern begins with a small cast-on of just three stitches and uses increases to gradually expand the triangular shape, making it a manageable project that builds in complexity as the knitter progresses.