Spring Stripes

Spring Stripes Shawl by Kelly Spenhoff

What is Being Made

Spring Stripes is a knitted shawl designed by Kelly Spenhoff, featuring a striped colorwork pattern in spring-inspired hues. This one-size shawl measures 52 inches wide by 21 inches tall (132 cm × 53.5 cm), making it a versatile triangular or rectangular wrap suitable for layering during transitional seasons.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential shawl-making techniques to create its structured shape and decorative details. The pattern incorporates increases to expand the shawl from a cast-on edge, yarn overs for lace or textural elements, and decreases to shape the fabric. The shawl is finished with an i-cord bind off, a decorative edge technique that creates a polished, rounded border. Knitters will work primarily in stockinette stitch, the foundational knit fabric that provides a smooth, classic appearance ideal for showcasing the striped colorwork.

Stitches and Skills Required

Knitters should be comfortable with the following stitches and techniques before beginning:

• k2tog (knit 2 together) — a right-leaning decrease
• M1R (make 1 right) — a right-leaning increase
• M1L (make 1 left) — a left-leaning increase
• yo (yarn over) — creates decorative holes and increases
• i-cord bind off — a specialty finishing technique (tutorial provided)
• Basic knit and purl stitches
• Stitch marker placement and management

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Spring Stripes uses fingering weight yarn (also called 4-ply), a lightweight yarn that creates delicate, drape-friendly fabric perfect for shawls. The pattern calls for three distinct colors to create the striped effect:

• Color A (green): 110 yards (100 meters)
• Color B (yellow): 310 yards (284 meters)
• Color C (purple): 210 yards (192 meters)

Total yardage: 630 yards (576 meters). The pattern specifies a US 6 circular needle, 29 inches (74 cm) long, which accommodates the growing number of stitches as the shawl expands. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Construction

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 13 stitches and 20 rows per 2 inches (5 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished shawl to reach the specified dimensions. The shawl begins with a small cast-on of 7 stitches and grows through strategic increases, creating a triangular or crescent-shaped silhouette typical of modern shawl design.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern for personal use, provided by independent designer Kelly Spenhoff. The pattern includes standard knitting abbreviations and instructions suitable for intermediate knitters who have experience with basic increases, decreases, and specialty finishing techniques.