Stripes and Solids

Stripes and Solids Shawl by Terri Kruse

What Is Being Made

Stripes and Solids is an advanced-level knitted shawl designed by Terri Kruse. This triangular shawl features a striking combination of striped and solid color sections, creating visual interest through strategic color blocking. The finished shawl measures 63 inches from tip to tip with a depth of 23 inches, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Design and Construction Techniques

This shawl employs color work techniques that require careful attention during transitions between sections. The pattern incorporates yarn overs worked at the beginning of rows during color changes, which the designer notes can be tricky to execute. When changing colors, knitters work a double yarn over followed by the subsequent knit 2 together stitch as specified in the pattern instructions. This technique creates decorative eyelet details while maintaining the shawl's structural integrity during color transitions.

The shawl is constructed using a top-down triangular approach, a common method for creating large, versatile wraps. The combination of striped sections with solid color blocks adds complexity and visual depth to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch throughout the shawl, created by knitting every row to produce a textured, reversible fabric
• Yarn overs (YO) – used to create decorative increases and eyelet details, particularly during color changes
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used to shape the shawl
• Make 1 Left (m1L) – a left-leaning increase worked by picking up the bar between stitches from front to back and knitting through the back loop
• Make 1 Right (m1R) – a right-leaning increase worked by picking up the bar between stitches from back to front and knitting through the front loop

Materials and Gauge

The shawl is worked in Sunshine Yarns Classic Sock, a 100% Merino yarn with 370 yards per 100 grams. Three colors are used in varying quantities: Linen (approximately 40 grams), Knock Your Socks Off (approximately 75 grams), and Dark Charcoal (approximately 51 grams). One skein of each color is required.

The pattern is worked on a US 6/4mm circular needle measuring 32 inches, though a longer needle may be substituted based on personal preference. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches of garter stitch on size 6 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 63 inches tip to tip and 23 inches in depth.

Additional notions include a darning needle for weaving in ends and scrap yarn for any stitch holders or temporary cast-on methods that may be required during construction.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the complexity of managing color changes with yarn overs and the precision required when executing increases and decreases in a shawl construction. Knitters should be comfortable with reading pattern instructions, maintaining consistent gauge, and managing color transitions smoothly.