Wild Ride

Wild Ride Knitted Shawl by Aspen Knits

What is Being Made

Wild Ride is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Aspen Knits. This pattern creates a generously sized triangular shawl with finished dimensions of 81 inches in length and 21 inches in depth (206 cm × 53 cm). The shawl is designed as a spin-off from the Elevation Series, featuring similar stitch patterns but in a new, more dramatic shawl shape. The design celebrates the use of mini-skeins in multiple colors, making it an ideal project for knitters who enjoy working with coordinating fingering weight yarns in varied hues.

Techniques Used

This knitted shawl employs classic shawl construction techniques suitable for intermediate knitters. The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting methods including increases and decreases to shape the triangular silhouette. Stitch markers are used throughout to help track pattern repeats and shaping sections. The design incorporates color work through the strategic use of a main color and five contrasting colors, allowing knitters to create visual interest and depth through yarn color placement rather than complex colorwork techniques.

Stitches Used

Wild Ride uses essential knitting stitches that form the foundation of most knitted garments and accessories:

• Knit (K): The basic knit stitch creates the primary fabric structure
• Purl (P): Purl stitches are combined with knits to create textured stitch patterns
• Yarn Over (YO): Creates decorative eyelet holes and increases within the pattern
• Slip, Slip, Knit (S2KP): A double decrease that slips 2 stitches knitwise simultaneously, knits 1, then passes the slipped stitches over the knit stitch
• Pass Slip Stitch Over (PSSO): A single decrease technique used in combination with other stitches
• Slip Marker (SM) and Place Marker (PM): Techniques for managing stitch markers that guide pattern sections

Materials and Gauge

This shawl is worked on US Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles, which are ideal for the triangular construction and the generous finished size. The pattern calls for fingering weight yarn in two color options:

• Option 1 (Multi-Color): 375 yards (345 meters) of main color fingering weight yarn plus 85 yards (78 meters) each of five contrasting color fingering weight yarns (CC1 through CC5)
• Option 2 (Two-Color): Knitters may substitute one full skein in place of the five mini-skeins to create a simplified two-color version of the shawl

The gauge is 22 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) measured in stockinette stitch, which helps determine the final dimensions of the finished shawl. Additional notions required include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats throughout the knitting process.