Ananke

Ananke Shawl by Shannon Squire

What is Being Made

Ananke is a beginner-friendly triangular shawl pattern designed by Shannon Squire. The pattern offers two distinct versions allowing crafters to choose between a delicate fingering weight option or a slightly more substantial sport weight construction. Both versions produce a finished shawl measuring approximately 62 inches wide with a center depth of 17 inches when lightly wet-blocked, making this an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Pattern Overview and Design

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern is classified as an enthusiastic beginner project, making it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore shawl construction. The design accommodates different yarn preferences and skill comfort levels through its two distinct weight options, allowing makers to select based on available materials or desired finished fabric characteristics.

Yarn and Materials

Fingering Weight Version: Uses approximately 475 yards of fingering weight yarn, though the pattern includes instructions for completing the shawl with a single 400-yard skein. The photographed example features Knitted Wit Single Fingering in the Supernova colorway, which showcases a speckled appearance.

Sport Weight Version: Requires approximately 375 yards of sport weight yarn. The shown version uses BMFA STR Mediumweight in the Muddy Autumn Rainbow colorway, displaying a multi-color striped effect.

Additional Notions: Both versions require US #4 (3.5 mm) or US #5 (3.75 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches or longer, depending on weight choice. Stitch markers and a darning needle for weaving in ends complete the necessary materials.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Ananke employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner crafters expanding their skill set. The pattern utilizes circular needles despite the flat triangular construction, a common approach in shawl design that accommodates the increasing stitch count as the piece grows from the top down or side to side.

Gauge Specifications: The fingering weight version works at 24 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm), while the sport weight version gauges at 22 stitches over 4 inches. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the shawl drapes as intended.

Construction and Finishing

The pattern includes complete instructions for both yarn weights, with specific guidance for adapting the design to work with standard 400-yard skeins in the fingering weight option. Wet blocking is recommended to achieve the finished measurements and to even out the fabric, a standard finishing technique for lace and shawl projects that enhances drape and definition.