The Ticket

The Ticket Shawl by Shannon Squire

What is Being Made

The Ticket is a knitted shawl designed by Shannon Squire, featuring a two-color construction that combines rich visual interest with engaging stitch work. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl using approximately 400 yards of DK-weight yarn, making it an accessible project for intermediate knitters seeking a satisfying and visually striking accessory.

Design Structure and Sections

The shawl is constructed in distinct sections that build visual rhythm and complexity throughout the piece. The design progresses through multiple stitch pattern areas, including tweedy sections that create texture and visual warmth, followed by leafy lace sections that introduce openwork and delicate patterning. The shawl concludes with a brick-textured border that frames the piece and provides a structured finish.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cable Cast-On: The pattern employs a Republic of Wool Cable Cast-On method to establish the foundation stitches with strength and elasticity
• Applied I-Cord Bind Off: A decorative finishing technique that creates a polished edge. This method involves casting on 2 stitches separately, then working a series of knit stitches through the back loop and knit 2 together through the back loop, slipping stitches back to the left-hand needle and repeating until 2 stitches remain before binding off the final stitches
• Two-Color Knitting: The shawl incorporates color work using two distinct DK-weight yarns to create visual contrast and depth throughout the design

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Ticket employs a variety of stitch techniques to create its distinctive appearance. Tweedy sections introduce textured, speckled fabric that adds visual interest and warmth to the piece. Leafy lace sections showcase openwork stitch patterns that create an airy, delicate quality contrasting with the denser sections. The brick-textured border uses stitch patterns that mimic a brick-like appearance, providing a structured and defined edge to frame the overall design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for approximately 400 yards of DK-weight yarn total. The designer used two specific colorways: Republic of Wool DK in Utopia (color A, 235 yards/215 meters) and Stitch Together Studios Stitch Dreamy DK in Smelly Jellies (color B, 165 yards/151 meters). DK-weight yarn is a versatile mid-weight that works well for shawls, offering enough substance to showcase stitch definition while remaining light enough for comfortable wear.

Needles and Tools

While specific needle size is not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, DK-weight yarn typically works best with US 4–6 (3.5–4 mm) needles. The pattern requires needles suitable for the applied I-cord bind-off technique, which involves working with a small number of stitches simultaneously.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, The Ticket is designed for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and finishing techniques. The combination of tweedy sections, lace work, and an applied I-cord bind-off makes this an engaging project that builds confidence in intermediate-level techniques without requiring advanced expertise.

Pattern Information

This is a downloadable PDF pattern by independent designer Shannon Squire, published in 2018. The pattern is intended for personal use only and may not be copied, distributed, or used for commercial purposes.