Piet on Point

Piet on Point Knitted Shawl by Nancy Whitman

What Is Being Made

Piet on Point is an intermediate-level knitted shawl featuring a geometric construction method. The design combines multiple rectangular and trapezoidal shapes that build upon one another to create a finished shawl measuring approximately 60"/152.4cm across the neck edge and 27¼"/69cm at center depth. This modular approach allows knitters to work distinct sections sequentially, making the project manageable despite its sophisticated final appearance.

Construction Technique and Shaping

The shawl is constructed using a geometric block method, where nine distinct sections are knitted in a specific sequence. The pattern includes two rectangles, one larger rectangle, one triangle, two trapezoids, another rectangle, one additional trapezoid, and a final triangle. This structured approach to shawl construction provides clear progression through the project and allows for strategic color placement throughout the design.

The modular construction technique enables knitters to work with manageable sections rather than managing a large number of stitches simultaneously. Each component is completed before moving to the next, making this an excellent intermediate project that teaches advanced shaping concepts through a logical, step-by-step process.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout Piet on Point is garter stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. Garter stitch is worked by knitting every row, making it an accessible yet visually interesting choice for geometric shawl construction. The pattern utilizes stitch markers to maintain shaping and stitch holders to manage stitches between sections during the modular construction process.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches over 4"/10cm in garter stitch before blocking, which adjusts to 23½ stitches over 4"/10cm after blocking. Blocking is an essential finishing step for this project, as it sets the geometric shapes and ensures the shawl reaches its intended final measurements. The blocking process transforms the individual sections into a cohesive, polished finished piece.

Materials and Yarn

Piet on Point is designed using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, a 100% superwash merino yarn available in 420-yard skeins. The pattern calls for one skein each in six colorways: Antler (C1), Robin Red Breast (C2), Silver Fox (C3), Winter Wheat (C4), Lapis (C5), and Onyx (BC). The total yardage requirement is approximately 429 to 60 yards depending on the specific color combination chosen, with a 10% buffer included in all yardage calculations.

Approximate yardage breakdown by color includes 160 yards of C1, 65 yards of C2, 125 yards of C3, 226 yards of C4, 429 yards of C5, and the remaining yardage in BC. Individual section yardage is distributed as follows: Rectangles 1 and 2 each use approximately 65 yards, Rectangle 3 uses 125 yards, Triangle 4 uses 42 yards, Trapezoid 5 uses 146 yards, Trapezoid 6 uses 129 yards, Rectangle 7 uses 80 yards, Trapezoid 8 uses 18 yards, and Triangle 9 uses the remaining yardage.

Tools and Notions Required

• Two US size 5/3.75 mm circular needles at 40"/100cm long for working the geometric sections
• Four large stitch holders for managing stitches between completed sections
• Stitch markers for tracking shaping increases and construction points
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the completed shawl

Skill Level and Project Characteristics

Classified as an intermediate knitting project, Piet on Point requires familiarity with basic knitting techniques including garter stitch, increasing, and working with circular needles. The geometric construction method and modular approach make this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills beyond simple stitch patterns into structured shaping and color work planning. The downloadable PDF format provides complete instructions for executing this sophisticated shawl design.