Apatosaurus

Apatosaurus Shawl by Carissa Browning

What is Being Made

The Apatosaurus is a scarf-shawl hybrid design inspired by the distinctive silhouette of the long-necked dinosaur. This one-size garment features a generous 57-inch span with a 10-inch height at the center, making it a versatile accessory that can be worn as either a traditional shawl or an elongated scarf. The design translates the Apatosaurus' characteristic long neck and tail into a wearable knitted form.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental shaping techniques to create its distinctive silhouette. Short-rows are used throughout to add depth and dimension to the fabric, allowing the designer to create the varied heights and contours that define the piece. Increases and decreases work in concert with the short-row shaping to control the overall proportions and create the scarf-shawl hybrid structure. These techniques, combined with strategic stitch placement, give the finished piece its unique dinosaur-inspired form while remaining accessible to beginner-level knitters.

Stitches Used

The pattern is built almost entirely on garter stitch, which is the simplest and most fundamental knitting stitch. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a thick, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. Despite the simplicity of the base stitch, the pattern maintains interest through the strategic use of shaping elements. The abbreviations referenced include M1 (make 1, a left-leaning increase), psso (pass slipped stitch over, a decrease method), and W&t (wrap and turn, the short-row technique that allows the knitter to work back and forth on a subset of stitches to create depth without adding rows across the entire width).

Materials and Specifications

The Apatosaurus is designed to be worked in a 4-ply yarn weight using Twisted Owl Fiber Studios Super Sock, a blend of 75% merino and 25% nylon that provides both softness and durability. One 100-gram skein, which contains 423 meters or 463 yards, is sufficient to complete the project. The pattern calls for a US #6/4mm circular needle and a tapestry needle for finishing. The recommended gauge is 23 stitches and 43 rows over 4 inches when worked in garter stitch, ensuring the finished measurements are accurate.