Holding On Shawl

Holding On Shawl by Christa Wales

Design Overview

The Holding On Shawl is an asymmetrical triangle shawl designed by Christa Wales as her 2020 contribution to the Progress, Hope and Happiness Event. Created with inspiration drawn from global resilience during challenging times, this knit shawl combines accessible construction with elegant lace detailing. The design uses six mini skeins of yarn to create a finished piece totaling 553 yards, making it an efficient project that showcases color through a compact format.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces an asymmetrical triangle shawl, a versatile garment that can be worn as a wrap, shoulder covering, or decorative accessory. The triangular shape is achieved through strategic increases and the use of lace sections, creating visual interest and drape. The shawl is worked from a single point and expands outward, allowing knitters to customize the final size by working additional rows if desired.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Holding On Shawl employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level knitters. The construction utilizes both written instructions and charted lace sections, providing flexibility for knitters who prefer different reading formats.

• Garter Stitch: Forms the foundation of the shawl, created by knitting every row. This reversible stitch provides structure and is ideal for beginners.
• Lace Work: The shawl features a lace section that is provided in both written and charted formats, adding openwork texture and visual elegance.
• Yarn Overs: Used throughout the lace sections to create decorative holes and increase stitches in a controlled manner.
• Decreases: Central double decreases, knit two together (k2tog), and slip-slip-knit (ssk) decreases shape the asymmetrical triangle and create lace pattern definition.
• Cast On and Bind Off: Essential finishing techniques required to begin and complete the shawl.

Yarn and Materials

The Holding On Shawl is designed to use Lake Knit Yarns Sparkle Mini Skein set, consisting of six mini skeins. Each skein contains 25 grams and approximately 90 yards (83 meters), with a total yardage of 553 yards (505 meters) for the complete project. The yarn is classified as 4-ply weight, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition and drape. The sample shown in the pattern features the Hope & Dreams colorway, though the mini skein format allows for creative color combinations.

Tools and Notions

Construction requires U.S. size 6 (4 mm) circular needles, which accommodate the increasing stitch count as the triangle expands. A darning needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in garter stitch and blocked, ensuring proper finished dimensions.

Skill Requirements

Classified as a beginner-level project, the Holding On Shawl requires fundamental knitting skills including casting on, binding off, knitting, purling, and basic decreases. Knitters should be comfortable reading both written instructions and lace charts, and familiar with yarn overs for lace construction. The combination of garter stitch sections with lace work provides an excellent learning opportunity for developing charted pattern reading skills while maintaining accessible difficulty.