Silver Falls

Silver Falls Knitted Shawl by Hanks And Needles

What Is Being Made

Silver Falls is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Makenzie Alvarez and created by Hanks And Needles. This triangular shawl features a finished wingspan of 53 inches (134.5 cm) and a minimum depth of 30 inches (76 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece. The design draws inspiration from the natural beauty of autumn in Oregon, capturing the aesthetic of colorful leaves adorned with dewdrops glistening in sunlight during the rainy season.

Design and Inspiration

The shawl incorporates random eyelet lace throughout the pattern, with each eyelet representing rain falling on autumn leaves. This thoughtful design element creates visual interest while maintaining the organic, imperfect beauty found in nature. The pattern celebrates fleeting moments of natural beauty through its textile representation.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Silver Falls employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Eyelet Lace: Random eyelets are distributed throughout the shawl to create the rain-on-leaves motif, requiring yarn overs and decreases to form decorative openings
• Leaf Lace Repeat: A structured 2.25" x 2.5" leaf lace repeat pattern provides the foundation for the shawl's stitch pattern
• Stockinette Stitch: The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which serves as the canvas for the lace elements
• Circular Knitting: The shawl is constructed using circular needles, allowing for seamless construction and the ability to work flat or in the round as the pattern requires

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Silver Falls shawl requires 846 yards (774 meters) of fingering weight yarn. The sample was created using Sew Happy Jane Silky Cashmere Yarn in the colorway Sly Fox, requiring 2 hanks. This yarn blend consists of 70% Merino wool, 20% Cashmere, and 10% Silk, providing a luxurious feel with excellent drape and softness ideal for lace shawl construction.

Tools and Needles

Knitters will need a US3 (3.25mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) to accommodate the shawl's width. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and optional stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and construction progress.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches by 40 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions of 53 inches wingspan by 30 inches minimum depth. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their gauge matches the pattern specifications.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, Silver Falls is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace patterns. The combination of eyelet techniques, stitch repeats, and circular needle work makes this an excellent project for advancing knitting abilities while creating a sophisticated, wearable garment.