Autumn Leaves Shawl

Autumn Leaves Shawl by Amanda (Shuttermonkey)

What is Being Made

The Autumn Leaves Shawl is a triangular knitted shawl inspired by the changing seasons of the northern hemisphere autumn. The finished shawl measures approximately 54 inches (137 cm) wide and 27 inches (68.5 cm) high, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering during cooler months. The design captures the vibrant aesthetic of falling leaves in shades of yellow, red, and brown through both colorway selection and stitch patterning.

Construction Technique

This shawl is constructed as a two-piece knitted garment worked from the bottom up. The distinctive leafy edging is knitted first, establishing the decorative border that defines the shawl's character. After completing the initial edging, stitches are picked up along the side of this edging to continue building the main body of the triangular shawl. This modular construction approach allows for creative shaping and the integration of the ornamental leaf motif as a structural design element rather than merely decorative.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Autumn Leaves Shawl is the trellis pattern, which creates an open, lacy fabric ideal for shawl construction. The trellis pattern provides both visual interest and the lightweight drape characteristic of quality shawls. Stitch markers are employed during knitting to help track pattern repeats and maintain consistent stitch placement across the rows.

Yarn and Materials

This shawl is knitted using Old Maiden Aunt Merino Superwash 4ply yarn in the shade Cinnamon. A total of 788 meters (861 yards) of yarn is required to complete the project. The 4ply weight provides the perfect balance of drape and stitch definition for showcasing the trellis pattern while maintaining the vibrant, warm coloring reminiscent of autumn foliage. Merino Superwash yarn offers excellent softness and practical washability for a wearable shawl.

The project requires a 3.25mm circular needle measuring 80cm in length and 4 stitch markers to complete the construction. The circular needle accommodates the growing number of stitches as the triangular shawl expands during knitting.

Gauge and Tension

The recommended gauge for this pattern is 22 stitches and 40 rows in the trellis pattern over 4 inches (10 cm) when using 3.25mm needles. Notably, the pattern indicates that tension is not essential for this project, making it an accessible option for knitters who may struggle with achieving precise gauge or who prefer a more relaxed approach to their knitting.

Difficulty Level

The Autumn Leaves Shawl is rated as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with stitch patterns and shaping techniques. The two-piece construction and trellis stitch pattern require attention to detail and pattern reading skills, though the non-critical nature of tension makes the project forgiving for those still developing their technical precision.