Herding Cats Shawl

Herding Cats Shawl by Lisa Hannan Fox

Project Overview

The Herding Cats Shawl is a playful, reversible knit shawl designed by Lisa Hannan Fox that celebrates the independent nature of cats. This intermediate-level knitting project features adorable cat motifs on both sides, with each side displaying opposite color schemes. The shawl's clever double knit construction creates a fully reversible garment, making it a unique and functional accessory for cat lovers and knitting enthusiasts alike.

Finished Dimensions

The completed shawl measures approximately 56 inches (142 cm) in width from side to side and 22 inches (56 cm) in height from the bottom corner to the top edge, making it a generous triangular or wrap-style shawl suitable for layering and warmth.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern showcases the double knit technique, a specialized method that creates a reversible fabric with two distinct sides. Double knitting allows knitters to work with two contrasting colors simultaneously, producing opposite color schemes on each side of the finished piece. The pattern includes full instructions for the double knitting technique, making it accessible to intermediate knitters who may be new to this advanced method. The shawl is worked from the bottom corner upward to the top edge, a construction method that builds the design progressively.

Materials Required

• Needles: Size 2 US (2.75 mm) circular needles, 40 inches (102 cm) in length or longer
• Yarn: Approximately 800–850 yards (732–777 m) each of two contrasting colors in fingering weight yarn (4-ply)
• Additional supplies: An extra needle (for stitch holding or cable techniques)

Yarn Weight and Fiber Considerations

This pattern calls for fingering weight yarn, a fine 4-ply yarn that pairs perfectly with size 2 US needles to create the delicate, detailed fabric necessary for displaying the cat motifs clearly. The use of two contrasting colors is essential to the double knit technique and the reversible design, allowing each side of the shawl to feature distinct color combinations while maintaining structural integrity.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Herding Cats Shawl is best suited for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technique repertoire. The double knit method requires attention to detail and understanding of working with two yarns simultaneously, but the included instructions support knitters through the process.