Soulace

Soulace Knit Shawl by Cheryl Faust

What Is Being Made

The Soulace is a generously sized triangular shawl designed by Cheryl Faust, suitable for knitters of all skill levels. This one-size-fits-all shawl features a wingspan of 98 inches (249 cm) and a depth of 26 inches (66 cm), making it a versatile accessory that can be worn as a wrap, draped over shoulders, or styled in multiple ways. The shawl's design is contemporary and elegant, appealing to modern knitters seeking stylish, wearable projects.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Soulace shawl is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level knitters. The primary stitch pattern employed is a slip stitch pattern, which creates visual texture and interest while remaining accessible to newer knitters. Slip stitches are worked purlwise throughout the pattern, a technique that helps establish consistent stitch definition. The pattern also incorporates knit through back loop (ktbl) stitches, which adds subtle shaping and stitch manipulation to the design.

The shawl is worked on circular needles in a top-down construction method, a popular approach for triangular shawls that allows for easy adjustability and seamless increases. The pattern references Chart 2 for the slip stitch pattern guidance, providing visual instruction alongside written abbreviations. This combination of charted and written instructions makes the pattern accessible to knitters who prefer either format.

Yarn and Materials

The Soulace requires approximately 733 yards (670 meters) of DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn that creates drape and elegance in the finished shawl. The sample was knitted using The Uncommon Thread Posh DK, a luxury blend comprising 70% Superwash Bluefaced Leicester Wool, 20% Silk, and 10% Cashmere in the colorway Zitouni. This fiber composition provides softness, durability, and a subtle sheen. The yarn is available in 250-yard (229-meter) skeins, requiring three skeins to complete the project.

Knitting needles required include:

• US 6 / 4.0 mm circular needle, 40 inches (100 cm) or longer, used as the larger needle for the main fabric
• US 5 / 3.75 mm circular needle, 40 inches (100 cm) or longer, used as the smaller needle (needle sizes may be adjusted to achieve proper gauge)

Additional notions needed are minimal and basic: scissors for cutting yarn and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches by 40 rows over a 4 x 4 inch (10 x 10 cm) square when worked on the larger needles in the slip stitch pattern and blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions of the shawl. The pattern includes a schematic on page 5 to guide knitters in understanding the shawl's proportions and structure.

This beginner-friendly design from independent designer Cheryl Faust, available as a downloadable PDF pattern, combines accessible techniques with sophisticated styling, making it an excellent choice for knitters building their skills while creating a beautiful, wearable garment.