Pine Haven

Pine Haven Knitted Shawl by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

Pine Haven is a top-down knitted shawl designed by Alicia Plummer. This intermediate-level project creates a finished triangular shawl with a wingspan of 59 inches (150 cm) and a depth of 24 inches (61 cm), making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping. The design draws inspiration from a hand-hewn cabin nestled in tall white pines, translating that natural woodland aesthetic into a knitted textile.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The shawl is worked flat from the top down, a construction method that allows knitters to try on the piece as it grows and adjust the final size if desired. The pattern incorporates chart-based colorwork, requiring knitters to read charted instructions from right to left on right-side rows and from left to right on wrong-side rows. A spine stitch runs down the center of the shawl, typically worked in the main color unless a solid stripe spans the entire row, creating a structural and visual centerline for the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The shawl is primarily worked in stockinette stitch, the foundation fabric that provides a smooth, classic base for the colorwork elements. The pattern uses charted colorwork to create the design details, allowing for intricate color placement and patterning. Stitch markers are used throughout to help track pattern repeats and construction sections, with four stitch markers required for this project.

Yarn and Materials

The main color (MC) uses Western Sky Knits Magnolia Worsted, a premium blend of 80% merino wool, 10% nylon, and 10% cashmere that provides warmth, durability, and a luxurious hand. The main color requires 600 yards from this yarn weight. Two contrast colors (CC1 and CC2) are worked in Swift Yarn Cozy DK: Lady Macbeth for the first contrast color (100 yards) and Log Cabin for the second contrast color (100 yards). The DK-weight contrast yarns create subtle color accents against the worsted-weight base.

Knitting needles are US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in a 40-inch length, or whatever size is needed to achieve the correct gauge. Additional notions include a darning needle for weaving in ends after completion.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to be worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the shawl to reach its intended finished dimensions. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project to ensure their needle size and tension produce the specified gauge.

Difficulty Level

This shawl is rated as an intermediate knitting project, making it suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle charted colorwork and top-down construction. Familiarity with reading charts, managing multiple yarn colors, and working with circular needles is recommended.