Sunrise

Sunrise Knit Shawl by Sharon Mooney

What Is Being Made

Sunrise is a block shawl pattern designed by Sharon Mooney, suitable for intermediate knitters. This downloadable PDF knitting pattern creates an elegant shawl with generous dimensions: approximately 95 inches along the bottom edge, 79 inches along the top edge, with a center depth of 21 inches and outer edge depth of 15 inches when properly blocked. The finished piece is a sophisticated accessory that combines traditional knitting techniques with decorative beading elements.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Sunrise shawl employs a block shawl construction method, a technique that builds the garment in geometric sections to create interesting stitch patterns and shaping. This approach allows for strategic placement of increases and design elements throughout the piece. The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch) as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface ideal for showcasing yarn color and texture.

The construction incorporates beading as a decorative embellishment technique, requiring the use of glass beads worked into the knitted fabric. The pattern specifies 1230 Miyuki size 6/0 glass beads in color #421C, which are integrated during the knitting process. A steel crochet hook or specialized beading tool (Fleegle Beader) is used to thread beads onto the yarn before knitting, allowing them to be positioned strategically within the stitches for visual interest and dimension.

Stitches and Stitch Markers

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches worked in stockinette stitch formation on flat gauge. The design requires careful stitch tracking throughout construction, necessitating 19 ring stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping sections, plus two locking stitch markers for marking important reference points. This extensive use of stitch markers is typical for block shawl patterns, where multiple sections increase simultaneously and precise stitch counts are essential for proper shaping and blocking.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sunrise shawl requires approximately three skeins of Madelinetosh "Tosh Sock" yarn in the colorway Baltic. This yarn is composed of 100% Superwash Merino Wool, offering softness, elasticity, and easy care properties. Each skein provides 395 yards (361 meters), and the pattern notes that knitters will use very little of the third skein, leaving sufficient yardage remaining to coordinate a pair of socks.

The yarn weight is classified as 4-ply, a medium-weight yarn that knits to a gauge of 6 stitches and 7.5 rows per inch on stockinette stitch before blocking. This gauge is achieved using size US 6/4mm circular knitting needles for the main body of the shawl. A larger size US 8/5mm circular needle (32 inches in length) is used exclusively for the cast-on edge, a common technique that creates a more elastic foundation. Additional supplies include a yarn needle or large embroidery needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Pattern Details and Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediatedifficulty pattern, Sunrise is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch arrangements and shaping techniques. The block shawl construction, combined with beading integration and multiple simultaneous increases, requires attention to detail and familiarity with reading knitting charts and managing numerous active stitches on circular needles. The pattern was designed and copyrighted in 2020 by Sharon E. Mooney and is available as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for immediate use upon purchase.