More Stripes, Please

More Stripes, Please Shawl by Cynthia Spencer

What Is Being Made

More Stripes, Please is a versatile knitted shawl pattern designed for knitters who love bold stripe work. The pattern offers two distinct shaping options, allowing crafters to choose between different silhouettes while maintaining the same striped aesthetic. This flexibility makes it an ideal project for both exploring color combinations and experimenting with yarn choices, whether working with gradient yarns or utilizing yarn scraps from your stash.

Shaping and Design Options

The pattern provides two shaping variations, giving maximum flexibility for customization. The featured cover design showcases the triangle version, which demonstrates how the striped pattern creates visual interest through the shawl's geometric construction. The sizing is entirely customizable—knitters can adjust the finished dimensions by following the pattern's integrated sizing directions, making this suitable for various yarn quantities and personal preferences.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern assumes familiarity with several key knitting techniques. The pattern incorporates wrap-and-turn short rows, a shaping method that creates gradual increases and contours without visible gaps. Additional techniques include e-wrap cast on for a flexible foundation, slipping stitches purlwise for neat edges, and picking up stitches for seamless construction. While the pattern includes quick reference descriptions for each technique, knitters can access detailed how-to videos at reallyclear.com for comprehensive instruction.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern emphasizes stripe work as its primary design element. The striped construction showcases color changes and pattern repeats, making it an excellent vehicle for displaying gradient yarns or creating visual interest through contrasting colors. The specific stitch patterns work in conjunction with the short-row shaping to create the shawl's distinctive silhouette.

Yarn and Materials

More Stripes, Please offers exceptional yarn flexibility. Knitters can use yarn of their choice across multiple weight categories, including sport weight, DK weight, 3-ply, 4-ply, worsted weight, heavy worsted, and aran weight. The cover photo features River Wash Sport from Mountain Colors Yarn, demonstrating how sport-weight yarn creates the featured triangle version. The pattern is particularly well-suited for showcasing gradient yarns or incorporating yarn scraps, making it an economical and creative option for stash busting.

Yardage and Gauge

Estimated yardage requirements for both shawl variations are provided within the pattern, allowing knitters to select yarn quantities based on their chosen sizing and shaping option. Gauge is noted as not critical for this project, though the pattern recommends using needles slightly larger than those suggested on the yarn's ball band. This looser gauge approach helps create a more fluid drape and prevents the finished shawl from becoming too dense or stiff.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with short-row shaping and multiple construction techniques. The pattern's detailed descriptions and accompanying video resources make it accessible to those building their technical repertoire.