Patterson

Patterson Shawl by Taiga Hilliard Designs

Project Overview

Patterson is an elegant knitted shawl featuring a beautiful lace pattern, designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs as a downloadable PDF pattern. This end-to-end knit shawl offers flexibility in sizing based on available yarn, making it an adaptable project for knitters of varying experience levels. The finished dimensions are 13 ½ inches by 70 inches, requiring approximately 420 yards of yarn. Patterson is particularly well-suited for fall and winter wear and combines lace and cable work in an intuitive design that becomes easier to work as you progress through the rows.

Craft and Technique

Patterson is a knitting project that combines lace work with cable stitches. The shawl is worked from end to end, a construction method that allows knitters to adjust the final size based on yarn availability. This approach makes the pattern intuitive to work once the initial rows are established, as the repeat becomes clear and familiar. The pattern is presented in both written and charted formats, accommodating different learning preferences and making it accessible for knitters who prefer visual stitch maps alongside written instructions.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• K2tog – Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
• YO – Yarn over (eyelet increase creating lace holes)
• SSK – Slip, slip, knit together through the back loops (left-leaning decrease)
• K3tog – Knit three stitches together (double decrease)
• P2tog – Purl two stitches together (decrease on wrong side)
• Kfb – Knit in the front and back of the same stitch (increase)
• C4B – Cable four back: slip two stitches onto cable needle and hold in back, knit two, then knit two from cable needle (cable stitch)
• K – Knit stitch
• P – Purl stitch
• SM – Slip marker
• PM – Place marker

Materials and Gauge

Patterson is designed to work with worsted or aran weight yarn, though the pattern is flexible enough to accommodate any yarn weight. The recommended yarn is Mary Gavans Worsted. Knitters should use US size 8 (5.00 mm) needles and work to a gauge of 14.0 stitches over 4 inches. A cable needle is required for executing the cable stitches throughout the pattern.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

While classified as an advanced pattern, Patterson is described as an excellent starter project for knitters new to shawl construction and lace work. The combination of written and charted instructions supports knitters in learning these techniques. The pattern is noted as a fun and fast knit, making it an encouraging project despite its advanced designation. The end-to-end construction method contributes to the intuitive nature of the project, allowing knitters to develop confidence as the pattern repeats become familiar.