Seven Percent Solution

Seven Percent Solution Shawl by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

Seven Percent Solution is a customizable knit shawl designed by Corrine Walcher. This triangular shawl features a finished size of 18 inches in depth and 72 inches in wingspan as written, though the dimensions are completely adjustable based on available yarn. The shawl was conceived as a creative solution for using up leftover yarn scraps, specifically one-ounce increments of multiple colors that would otherwise go unused.

Design and Construction

The shawl employs a straightforward knitting approach combined with decorative lace detailing. The main body is worked in a simple knit construction, while an airy lace pattern adorns the edge, adding visual interest and an elegant finish to the piece. The beauty of this design lies in its flexibility: knitters can use any yarn weight they prefer and simply continue knitting until their leftover yarn is depleted, making it an ideal stash-busting project.

Techniques and Stitches

The primary construction technique is stockinette stitch, which forms the main fabric of the shawl. The pattern incorporates lace stitching along the edges to create an airy, delicate border that contrasts with the solid stockinette body. This combination of techniques creates visual dimension while maintaining a relatively straightforward knitting experience suitable for intermediate-level knitters.

Yarn and Materials

The sample shawl was knit using Dragonfly Fibers Traveler, a yarn composed of 100% Superwash Merino fiber. The pattern calls for seven one-ounce skeins, each containing approximately 70 yards of yarn. The sample was worked in seven distinct colors: Green Tea, Galapagos, Riptide, Mermaid, Beaches, Daenerys, and Forget Me Knot. However, the pattern is designed to accommodate any yarn weight, allowing knitters to substitute their own leftover yarns of choice.

Needles and Gauge

Construction requires a 32-inch circular needle in US size 6 (4.00mm), or a size adjusted to obtain the specified gauge. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches when measured in unblocked stockinette stitch. While gauge is noted as not critical for this particular item, it will affect the overall finished size, the total yardage used, and how the fabric drapes.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the absolute beginner level who are comfortable with basic stitch work and shaping techniques.