Under the sea

Under the Sea Knitted Shawl by Melanie Mielinger

Project Overview

Under the Sea is a beginner-friendly knitted shawl design created by independent designer Melanie Mielinger. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a generous triangular shawl measuring approximately 88 inches from tip to tip with a maximum depth of 22.5 inches, making it an ideal accessory for layering or draping across the shoulders.

What is Being Made

This pattern creates a large triangular shawl suitable for everyday wear. The finished shawl provides ample coverage and can be worn in multiple ways, from a traditional wrap to a decorative shoulder piece. The generous dimensions make it versatile for various styling options and occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch structure, created by knitting every row to produce a textured, reversible fabric
• Increases – strategically placed throughout the pattern to shape the triangular silhouette
• Fringe finishing – added using a crochet hook to embellish the edges
• Blocking – essential for achieving proper gauge and finished dimensions

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches accessible to beginners:

• K – knit stitch
• P – purl stitch
• Kfb – knit through the front and back loop, a basic increase technique that creates one additional stitch
• Tog – together, used for decreases
• Tbl – through the back loop, a variation technique

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Malabrigo Yarn Rastita, a 100% wool yarn in DK weight. Two skeins totaling 310 yards (285 meters) in the colorway "Solis" (number 809) are required. The DK weight classification makes this yarn medium-weight and easy to work with for beginners.

Needles: A US 8 (5 mm) circular needle is used for the main knitting. The pattern specifies that gauge should be measured using US 4 (3.5 mm) needles with garter stitch, yielding 15 stitches and 21 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) after blocking.

Additional Tools: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a crochet hook for adding fringes, scissors, and an optional row counter to track progress through the pattern.

Gauge Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 21 rows in 4 inches (10 cm) worked in garter stitch. While gauge is noted as not crucial for this particular project, variations in tension will affect the final shawl size and total yardage requirements. Blocking is recommended to achieve accurate measurements and proper drape.

Difficulty Level

Classified as a beginner project, Under the Sea is accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. The straightforward garter stitch base and simple increase techniques make this an excellent introduction to shawl knitting without overwhelming complexity.