Warrior Shawl

Warrior Shawl by Kelly Spenhoff

What Is Being Made

The Warrior Shawl is a knitted triangular shawl designed by Kelly Spenhoff. This one-size garment features a striking colorwork design with a finished wingspan of 46 inches (117 cm) and a depth of 22 inches (56 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering and styling.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs colorwork techniques to create visual interest and depth throughout the design. The shawl construction utilizes strategic increases to build the triangular shape from a small starting point to its full wingspan. Knitters will work with multiple yarn colors in sequence, managing color changes and maintaining consistent tension across the piece.

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

• kfb (knit into the front and back of the stitch) — an increase technique that creates two stitches from one
• m1r (make one stitch, right leaning) — another increase method that adds stitches while maintaining fabric integrity
• k (knit) — the fundamental knit stitch
• p (purl) — the basic purl stitch
• pm (place marker) — used to mark pattern sections and shaping points
• sm (slip marker) — used to move markers between needles as work progresses

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Warrior Shawl is worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn category ideal for creating drape and definition in colorwork designs. The pattern requires a total of approximately 488 yards of yarn distributed across five distinct colors:

• Color A (dark green): 30 yards
• Color B (light green): 120 yards
• Color C (blue): 128 yards
• Color D (red): 20 yards
• Color E (yellow): 190 yards

The sample shawl was knitted using Knit Picks Swish DK, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn with 123 yards per 50-gram skein. The specific colors used in the sample are Green Tea Heather (Color A), Rainforest Heather (Color B), Dusk (Color C), Hollyberry (Color D), and Cornmeal (Color E).

Needles and Notions

This project requires a US 7 circular needle measuring 29 inches, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The circular needle format accommodates the increasing stitch count as the triangular shawl expands. Additionally, a yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends upon completion.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22.5 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the shawl drapes as intended.