Woodlands

Woodlands Knitted Shawl by Alicia Plummer

Project Overview

Woodlands is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Alicia Plummer, inspired by the natural beauty of autumn forests. The design captures the essence of filtered sunlight streaming through aged oaks, sugar maples, and yellow birches, with colorwork reminiscent of forest floors blanketed in faded pine needles. This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for knitters seeking a sophisticated wrap-style shawl with cable detailing.

Finished Dimensions and Fit

The completed shawl measures 13 inches (33 cm) in width and 66 inches (168 cm) in length. The finished width measurement accounts for the pull created by the cable stitches, ensuring accurate sizing for draping and wear.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for 900 yards of DK weight yarn. The recommended yarn is Little Fox Yarn Vulpine DK in the Falling Leaves colorway, a premium blend consisting of 80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon. Each 100-gram skein provides 231 yards (211 meters), making this a luxurious and durable choice for a shawl that requires both softness and structural integrity.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 32 inches (80 cm) length for the main fabric
• US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle, 32 inches (80 cm) length for ribbed or textured sections

Circular needles are recommended to reduce wrist strain during extended knitting sessions, though straight needles may be substituted if preferred. Additional notions include 6 stitch markers, a cable needle for managing cable stitches, and a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge

Proper gauge is essential for this pattern. Knitters should achieve 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the larger US 7 needles. Gauge swatching is particularly important given the cable elements, which can affect final dimensions.

Techniques and Stitches

Woodlands employs cable knitting as a primary design element, creating textured columns that add visual interest and structural definition to the shawl. The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as the foundational fabric, providing a smooth, classic base that showcases the yarn's color and fiber blend. A tubular long-tail cast-on is used to begin the wrap, creating a professional, seamless edge that is both elastic and refined. Stitch markers are essential throughout the pattern to track cable repeats and pattern sections accurately.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with cables and managing multiple stitch markers. The cable techniques require attention to detail but are well-suited for crafters looking to expand their technical repertoire beyond basic stockinette and ribbing.