Stripes, Interrupted

Stripes, Interrupted Knit Shawlette by Michael Harrigan

What Is Being Made

Stripes, Interrupted is a bandana-style shawlette designed by Michael Harrigan, a Certified Master Knitter, Knitting Technical Editor, and Knitting Judge. This triangular accessory combines decorative colorwork with textured stitch patterns to create a versatile layering piece. The finished shawlette measures 43.5 inches across the topline and 17.5 inches from topline to bottom point, making it an ideal size for wearing as a bandana or lightweight shoulder wrap. The pattern includes an optional decorative pendant that attaches to the bottom point after blocking, allowing for customization and personalization of the finished piece.

Construction and Shaping Techniques

This shawlette is knit from the top down, a construction method that allows knitters to try on the piece as it grows and adjust the final size as desired. The garment is shaped through strategic increases worked on every right-side row, with six stitches increased per row to create the characteristic triangular silhouette. This consistent increase rate produces a balanced, symmetrical shape that drapes elegantly when worn. The top-down construction also means that knitters can easily customize the finished size by adding additional sections before binding off, providing flexibility for different preferences and yarn quantities.

Stitch Patterns and Textural Details

The design features three distinct stitch techniques that work together to create visual interest and texture:

• Striped colorwork: Horizontal stripes in multiple colors form the foundation of the pattern, creating a bold, graphic element throughout the shawlette.
• Garter eyelets: These textured sections interrupt the stripes at strategic intervals, adding dimensional detail and creating small openings that catch light and add airiness to the fabric.
• Windowpane slip stitch pattern: This sophisticated stitch technique creates a checked or windowpane effect through the strategic use of slipped stitches, adding depth and visual complexity to the colorwork without requiring complex color changes on every row.

The combination of these three techniques—stripes, garter eyelets, and slip stitch patterning—creates a shawlette that is visually dynamic while remaining accessible to beginner-level knitters.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Brown Sheep WILDFOOTE LUXURY SOCK YARN, a premium fingering-weight yarn composed of 75% Superwash wool and 25% nylon. The nylon content adds durability and elasticity, making this yarn ideal for accessories that receive regular wear and washing. The pattern requires one 50-gram skein each of three colors: Blue Bird (Color A), Vanilla (Color B), and Gunsmoke (Color C). Each skein provides 215 yards of yardage, offering sufficient length to complete the shawlette with the option to add length if desired. Additional materials include US size 2 (2.75mm) needles appropriate for working with 4-ply yarn, a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and attaching the optional pendant, and the optional pendant itself for embellishing the bottom point.

Skill Level and Pattern Accessibility

Rated as a beginner-level pattern, Stripes, Interrupted is designed to be accessible to knitters who are new to shawlette construction and colorwork techniques. Despite the inclusion of slip stitch patterns and eyelet sections, the pattern's straightforward top-down construction and consistent shaping make it manageable for those building their knitting skills. The use of 4-ply yarn on small needles creates a refined, elegant fabric while remaining forgiving enough for beginning knitters to work with comfortably.