Market Shawl

Market Shawl by Steven Hicks

What is Being Made

The Market Shawl is a classic triangular shaped shawl designed by Steven Hicks. This knitted accessory features a simple but graphic texture and is available in two distinct versions that allow crafters to customize their finished piece. Both versions work from the same base construction but offer different visual and textural elements, making this design adaptable to individual preferences and skill levels within the intermediate range.

Design Versions and Customization

The Market Shawl offers two primary versions with distinct characteristics:

• Version 1 features yarn overs that highlight the center spine and edges, creating an open, lacy aesthetic. This version measures 60" x 18" [152.5cm x 46cm] when finished and requires 400 yards [366 m] of DK weight yarn.
• Version 2 replaces the yarn over detail with a make one increase and adds a ruffled bind off for a more decorative edging. This version measures 44" x 16" [112cm x 41cm] and requires 450 yards [412 m] of fingering weight yarn.

Crafters can mix and match design elements between versions according to personal preferences. The finished size can easily be modified by adjusting the number of pattern repeats, allowing for custom dimensions. When using the ruffled bind off with larger sizes, note that this decorative edging requires approximately 75% the amount of yarn used for the body of the shawl, so yarn planning is essential to avoid running short.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Market Shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The design utilizes yarn overs in Version 1 to create openwork details along the center spine and edges, a classic lace-knitting technique that adds visual interest and lightness to the triangular form. Version 2 incorporates make one increases as an alternative shaping method, demonstrating how different increase techniques can alter the appearance of a garment while maintaining structural integrity.

A ruffled bind off is featured in Version 2, providing a decorative finished edge that frames the shawl. This bind-off technique creates texture and dimension at the perimeter of the piece, distinguishing it visually from the simpler Version 1 construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Version 1 requires 400 yards [366 m] of DK weight yarn worked on US #8 [5.0mm] circular needles measuring 24" [60cm]. The gauge for Version 1 is 18 stitches = 4" [10cm] in the pattern stitch.

Version 2 requires 450 yards [412 m] of fingering weight yarn, which is lighter and more delicate than the DK weight used in Version 1. This version is worked on US #6 needles, reflecting the finer yarn weight and tighter gauge typical of fingering-weight projects.

Both versions use 24" [60cm] circular needles, which provide adequate needle length for managing the triangular shawl's increasing stitch count as the piece grows from the top down or center out, depending on the construction method employed.