Mountain Grove Shawl

Mountain Grove Shawl by Emily Wood

What Is Being Made

The Mountain Grove Shawl is a triangular knit shawl designed by Emily Wood, featuring a sophisticated double lattice pattern of twisted stitches framed by cables. This lush, symmetrical shawl measures 73.5 inches (187 cm) across the wingspan with a depth of 20 inches (51 cm) at its deepest point, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or wrapping.

Construction Method

This shawl is worked sideways, beginning with a small cast-on of just 3 stitches. The pattern grows progressively through increases that are cleverly hidden within the twisted stitch pattern itself, eliminating the need for obvious increase rows. The shawl reaches its full width at the middle before completing the triangular shape. This sideways construction method creates a naturally elegant drape and allows for easy customization of the finished size.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Twist stitch pattern: The foundation of the design, creating a textured, dimensional fabric that forms the double lattice effect across the shawl
• Cable stitches: Decorative cables frame the twisted stitch sections, adding visual interest and a bouncy, dynamic quality to the finished piece
• Increases: Integrated into the twisted stitch pattern to gradually expand the shawl from the initial 3 stitches to the full wingspan
• Blocking: Essential finishing technique that sets the gauge and helps the shawl achieve its intended dimensions and drape

Yarn and Materials

The Mountain Grove Shawl requires 900 yards (823 meters) of DK weight yarn. The sample shown in the pattern was knit using Farmer's Daughter Juicy DK in the colorway Castle Rock, which is 100% superwash merino and comes in 274-yard (251-meter) skeins—requiring 3 skeins for the project. DK weight provides an ideal balance of drape and stitch definition for showcasing the intricate twisted and cable patterns.

Needles required include US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles measuring at least 24 inches (60 cm) in length to accommodate the growing number of stitches. Additional notions include a cable needle for working the cable stitches, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches by 29 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in the Twist pattern after blocking. However, the designer notes that exact gauge is not critical for this project. Variations in gauge will affect both the finished size of the shawl and the total yardage required, offering flexibility for knitters working with different yarn weights or tension preferences.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Mountain Grove Shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns. The combination of twisted stitches and cables requires comfort with cable techniques and the ability to read charts or written instructions, though the sideways construction and hidden increases make the project more manageable than it might initially appear.