Thunder moon

Thunder Moon Crescent Shawl by Mindy Wilkes

What is Being Made

Thunder Moon is a crescent-shaped shawl designed by Mindy Wilkes, worked from the bottom up. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished piece measuring 44 inches (112 cm) wide by 12 inches (30.5 cm) deep, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Construction Techniques

The shawl employs two primary construction methods to achieve its distinctive crescent silhouette. The body is worked in garter stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. Short rows are strategically used throughout the body to shape the crescent form, allowing the shawl to curve gracefully. The lace border features a decorative zig zag "lightning" motif that adds visual interest and complements the shawl's name.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This stitch is worked predominantly on the larger needles. The lace border incorporates a lightning-inspired zig zag pattern, which typically involves yarn overs and decreases to create openwork sections that contrast with the solid garter stitch body.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: 400 yards (366 meters) of fingering weight yarn in 4-ply construction. The pattern sample was worked in Fiber Optic FootNotes (80% superwash merino, 20% nylon; 420 yards per 100 grams) in the colorway Smokey Teal.
• Needles: US 6 (4 mm) circular needles, 32 inches or longer for the main body; US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles, 32 inches or longer for the lace border or as needed to achieve gauge.
• Notions: Stitch markers (optional) and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 26 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch on the larger needles after blocking. While gauge is not critical to the fit of this design, variations in gauge will affect the final size and yardage requirements.

Design Notes

Thunder Moon is an excellent project for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills with shaping techniques. The combination of straightforward garter stitch with short-row shaping and a decorative lace border provides a balanced challenge. The use of superwash merino and nylon blend yarn offers durability and easy care, while the fingering weight allows for delicate drape and detailed stitch definition in both the body and border.