Shifting Chaos

Shifting Chaos Semi-Circular Lace Shawl by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

Shifting Chaos is a semi-circular shawl designed by independent knitter Corrine Walcher. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 25 inches in depth with a 64-inch wingspan. The design features a distinctive lace knitted-on edging that frames the body of the shawl, making it an elegant accessory suitable for various occasions and skill levels.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for two skeins of coordinating fingering weight yarn from Chaos Fiber Co. The first skein is a variegated yarn called Merlin, containing 80% Superwash Merino Wool and 20% Nylon, with 420 yards per 113 grams. The second skein is a tonal yarn called Deluxe, made from 75% Superwash Merino Wool and 25% Nylon, providing 460 yards per 105 grams. The sample shown was knit using Old Flannel Shirt as Color A and Warm Earth as Color B. The combination of one variegated and one tonal yarn creates visual interest and depth in the finished piece.

Needles and Gauge

Knitters will need a 32-inch circular needle in size 5 US (3.75mm), or a size adjusted to obtain proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches when measured in wet-blocked stockinette stitch. While gauge is not considered critical for this particular shawl, it will affect the final size, total yardage used, and the overall drape of the finished garment.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Shifting Chaos employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner to intermediate knitters. The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, combined with lace stitching for the decorative edging. Key stitches and techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Knit (K): The basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the shawl body
• Yarn Over (YO): A lace-making technique that creates decorative openwork and eyelets
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the shawl and create lace patterns
• Knit Three Together (K3tog): A more pronounced decrease for creating sharper lace definition
• K2tog-Body: A specialized decrease that joins one stitch from the lace edging with one stitch from the shawl body, seamlessly integrating the edging
• Slip Marker (SM): Used to mark pattern repeats and shaping points

The lace knitted-on edging is a distinctive feature of this design. Rather than picking up stitches after the main body is complete, the edging is worked directly onto the shawl as you knit, creating a cohesive and polished finish. This technique requires careful attention to the K2tog-Body decreases that connect the two sections.

Pattern Flexibility

The Shifting Chaos pattern includes instructions for creating a larger size shawl if desired, allowing knitters to customize the finished dimensions beyond the standard 25-inch depth and 64-inch wingspan. This flexibility makes the pattern adaptable to individual preferences and yarn availability.