Tori Shawl in Viking Nordlys - Downloadable PDF

Tori Shawl in Viking Nordlys – Knitted Triangular Wrap

What Is Being Made

The Tori Shawl is a large triangular knitted wrap designed by Gerd Auestad. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a generous shawl measuring approximately 200 cm (78 ¾ inches) in width across the top edge and 85 cm (33 ½ inches) in height from the centre back. The shawl is worked in a classic top-down triangular construction, making it an elegant layering piece or statement accessory suitable for intermediate knitters.

Yarn and Materials

The Tori Shawl pattern calls for Viking Nordlys yarn, a premium blend of 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon. This fiber composition provides durability, easy care, and a subtle sheen. The pattern requires 4 skeins of Multi Purple (no. 969) for the main body and 1 skein of White (no. 900) for contrast or accent work. Each skein weighs 100 grams, making this a substantial project that showcases the beautiful colorway options available in the Nordlys range. Recommended needles are size 3 ½ mm, which work at a tension of 23 stitches in pattern stitch over 10 cm (4 inches).

Knitting Techniques

The Tori Shawl employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The shawl begins with a small cast-on of 5 stitches and uses systematic increases worked at the end of every second row on the right side to create the triangular shape. The body is worked primarily in stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), which creates a smooth, classic fabric that allows the yarn color and any stitch pattern details to stand out clearly. The pattern incorporates yarn overs as a decorative and structural element, visible in the diagram as "o" symbols, which create small eyelet holes and add visual interest to the finished piece. Decreases are worked using knit two together (K2tog) and slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (psso) techniques, which are essential for shaping and creating the lace or textured elements shown in the pattern diagram.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Tori Shawl pattern uses a combination of basic and decorative stitches:

• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the shawl, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, forming a smooth, uniform fabric
• Yarn Overs (YO): Marked as "o" in the pattern diagram, these create decorative eyelet details and contribute to the shawl's lace-like qualities
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping and creating stitch pattern definition
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (psso): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with K2tog to create balanced decreases in the pattern

The pattern diagram illustrates a repeating motif worked across the width of the shawl. The combination of yarn overs and decreases creates a structured lace or textured pattern that develops as the shawl grows from the center back outward and downward.

Construction Method

The Tori Shawl is constructed using a top-down triangular approach. Knitters begin by casting on 5 stitches using the Multi Purple yarn on 3 ½ mm needles and working in stocking stitch back and forth in rows. Increases are worked consistently at the end of every second row on the right side, allowing the fabric to expand gradually into its triangular form. After the piece reaches approximately 90 cm (35 ½ inches) in length, the pattern transitions to a section worked without increases for the first 3 cm (1 ¼ inches), which creates the finished edge. This method is popular for shawl knitting because it allows knitters to customize the final size by adjusting the number of rows worked before the bind-off.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate project, the Tori Shawl is suitable for knitters who are comfortable with basic stitches and can maintain consistent tension. The pattern requires understanding of increases, decreases, and yarn overs, as well as the ability to follow a