Surrey Avenue Shawl

Surrey Avenue Shawl by Bex Knitty Designs

What is Being Made

The Surrey Avenue Shawl is a large triangular wrap designed as a cozy, oversized shawl perfect for keeping out the chill. This piece combines comfort with visual interest through its strategic use of texture and color, making it an ideal project for those seeking a substantial, wearable finished piece with traditional styling and autumnal appeal.

Construction and Design Approach

This shawl is constructed using a classic triangular shaping method that grows evenly and swiftly through yarn over increases positioned at the centre spine and at either end of the piece. The structured increases create a balanced, symmetrical triangle that expands predictably as you work from the center outward. The design progresses through clearly laid out sections that alternate between restful knitting and more engaging patterning, making it an excellent intermediate project that maintains momentum and interest throughout the knitting process.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch: Forms the primary texture base, creating horizontal ridges that provide a meditative, mindless knitting experience during these sections
• Stockinette Stitch with Purl Texture: Alternates with garter sections to build visual and tactile interest through contrasting surface patterns
• Yarn Over Increases: Used strategically at the centre spine and edges to shape the triangular silhouette evenly and create decorative eyelet details
• Striping: The shawl is worked in three colors that rotate at regular intervals, adding depth and autumnal visual appeal without requiring complex colorwork techniques

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Surrey Avenue Shawl is designed to be worked in Aran weight yarn, specifically traditional Crunchy Shetland wool. This yarn weight choice maximizes the homely, cozy, and comforting appeal of the finished piece while allowing the shawl to knit up quickly despite its large size. The Shetland wool's texture and warmth make it ideal for an autumnal wrap that provides both visual interest and practical insulation.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Surrey Avenue Shawl is accessible to knitters with foundational skills while offering enough textural variety and shaping to provide engaging challenges and skill development throughout the knitting process.