Seven Below

Seven Below Knit Shawl by Jordan Prouty

What is Being Made

Seven Below is an asymmetrical triangular shawl designed by Jordan Prouty. This relaxing and fun knit project is perfect for wrapping around your neck during chilly weather. The finished shawl measures approximately 69 inches by 31 inches, making it an ideal size for layering and snuggling. The design showcases beautiful hand-dyed yarn through its thoughtful construction and texture work.

Design and Texture

The shawl features alternating lace and stockinette sections that create interesting visual texture throughout the piece. This combination of stitch patterns is specifically designed to highlight the beauty of variegated yarns and hand-dyed colorways. The asymmetrical triangular shape adds modern appeal while the alternating sections provide visual interest and prevent the knit from becoming monotonous during the knitting process.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental techniques and stitches:

• Stockinette stitch sections create smooth, classic knit fabric
• Lace stitches add openwork detail and visual complexity
• Kfb (knit into front and back) increases are used for shaping
• Cast on techniques begin the project

The alternating lace and stockinette pattern requires attention to stitch placement but remains accessible to intermediate knitters. The design allows knitters to practice lace techniques while maintaining sections of simpler stockinette work for rhythm and flow.

Yarn and Materials

Seven Below is designed to be knit in worsted weight yarn, specifically The Plucky Knitter's Snug Worsted. This premium yarn blend contains 70% Merino, 20% Cashmere, and 10% Alpaca, offering softness, warmth, and beautiful drape. Each skein contains 230 yards and weighs 115 grams. The sample shawl used approximately 298 grams of yarn (596 yards total) in the colorway Wentworth.

The recommended tools include Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length, or the size required to obtain proper gauge. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking. While exact gauge is not critical for this project, variations in gauge will affect the finished size and total yarn usage. Knitters should swatch and measure their gauge before beginning to ensure their finished shawl meets their desired dimensions.

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable reading patterns and working with lace stitches. The combination of stockinette and lace sections provides a good balance of challenge and accessibility.