Sunchaser

Sunchaser Shawl by Jenny Faifel

What is Being Made

The Sunchaser is a sideways triangular shawl designed by Jenny Faifel. This intermediate-level knitting project is worked tip to tip, creating a classic yet contemporary accessory through a series of simple increases. The shawl features a thoughtful color progression using four coordinating yarn colors that blend together to create a cohesive faded effect.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Sunchaser employs a distinctive construction method that alternates between two different stitch sections to create visual interest and manage fabric behavior. The shawl is worked sideways from tip to tip, meaning the knitter begins at one point of the triangle and increases gradually toward the center, then decreases back down to create the opposite point. This approach allows for straightforward shaping using simple increases throughout the pattern.

A key technical feature of this design is the strategic use of two different needle sizes to compensate for the natural gauge variations that occur between different stitch types. The pattern alternates between Garter stitch sections and slipped stitch sections, with each requiring different needles to maintain consistent fabric density across the entire shawl.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Used in alternating sections, this fundamental knit stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric and is worked on US#6/4.00mm needles
• Slipped Stitch: Used in alternating sections to create a different visual texture; worked on US#8/5.00mm needles to account for the tightening effect that slipped stitches naturally produce
• Stockinette Stitch: Used as the reference stitch for establishing the project's gauge

Color Work and Design

The Sunchaser features a gradient color fade created by using four separate colors, each used for one complete row at a time. This simple yet effective approach means only one color per row is used, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple colors within a single row. The sample shown features the colors Pollen (Color A), Sunspot (Color B), Io (Color C), and Ghost Town (Color D), though knitters can select their own coordinating color palette.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

This shawl is designed to use Sunshine Yarns Merino DK, a 100% merino wool yarn available in 225-yard (206-meter) skeins weighing 100 grams (3.53 ounces). The pattern requires four skeins total, with 225 yards of each color needed. DK weight yarn, approximately 225–250 yards per 100-gram skein, is the recommended yarn weight category for this project.

The gauge for this project is 20 stitches per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working Stockinette stitch with US#6/4.00mm needles. However, due to the alternating stitch sections and needle sizes used in the actual pattern, knitters will work with two different needle sizes: US#6/4.00mm circular needles (32 inches/80 centimeters) for Garter stitch sections and US#8/5.00mm circular needles (32 inches/80 centimeters) for slipped stitch sections. This dual-needle approach ensures that the Garter and slipped stitch sections maintain balanced gauge despite their inherent differences in fabric tightness.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Sunchaser is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore shaping techniques and manage multiple stitch patterns. The sideways construction with simple increases is accessible, while the alternating stitch sections and color changes add engaging complexity without requiring advanced techniques.