Asking for Flowers

Asking for Flowers Knitted Shawl by Kate Atherley

Project Overview

Asking for Flowers is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Kate Atherley, featuring a sophisticated sideways construction with dramatic lace edging. This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for knitters with some lace experience who want to create a versatile accessory with beautiful drape and visual interest. The finished shawl measures 62 inches wide and 20 inches at its deepest point, making it a substantial triangular wrap suitable for layering across shoulders or wearing as a statement piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a triangular shawl with a generous finished size of 62 inches wide by 20 inches deep. The shawl features a curved silhouette and is designed to be worn as a wrap or shoulder covering. The colorway, "The Flowers," evokes a summer garden palette, making it a seasonally inspired design that can be worn in spring to anticipate warmer weather or in winter as a nostalgic reminder of garden blooms.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Sideways construction: The shawl is knitted from side to side rather than from the top down or bottom up, creating a unique fabric orientation and drape
• Biasing garter stitch: The main body uses garter stitch worked on the bias, which creates beautiful diagonal lines and contributes to the shawl's elegant drape
• Short-row wedges: Strategic short rows are incorporated to shape the shawl and create its curved silhouette without requiring complex decreases
• Shetland lace edging: A dramatic lace border adds visual interest and sophistication to the finished edges without requiring advanced lace-knitting expertise

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs garter stitch as its primary stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch provides a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape. The addition of Shetland lace edging introduces openwork patterning that contrasts beautifully with the solid garter stitch body. Short-row shaping is used to create the curved wedge sections that give the shawl its distinctive shape. The pattern is described as accessible for knitters with some lace experience, indicating that while lace techniques are present, they are not overly complex or demanding.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for Rhichard Devrieze hand-painted 100% merino fingering weight yarn in the colorway "The Flowers." Three skeins are required, with each skein containing 225 yards and weighing 65 grams. The recommended needle size is 3.5mm circular needles for the main knitting, with a spare 4.5mm needle reserved for casting off. Stitch markers are needed to track pattern repeats and shaping points. The gauge is approximately 22 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch after blocking. As noted in the pattern, gauge is not critical for this project, allowing knitters flexibility based on personal preference for fabric weight and drape.

Pattern Difficulty and Suitability

Classified as an intermediate-level pattern, Asking for Flowers is suitable for knitters with some lace-knitting experience. The pattern explicitly notes that advanced lace expertise is not required, making it an excellent choice for knitters looking to build their lace skills in a manageable, beautiful project. The combination of straightforward garter stitch with accessible lace techniques creates a balanced learning experience.