Welcome to Divination

Welcome to Divination Shawl by Afifa Knits Designs

Project Overview

Welcome to Divination is an oversized heart-shaped knitted shawl designed by Afifa Knits Designs. This intermediate-level project uses a stepped construction method that creates a distinctive wrapped silhouette perfect for layering over shoulders. The shawl measures approximately 144 inches in wingspan and 22 inches in width after blocking, making it a generous wrap suitable for keeping warm while engaged in quiet activities like reading or relaxing during extended indoor time.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for approximately 645 yards of worsted weight yarn. The designer recommends using three coordinating colors of worsted yarn, with 215 yards each of three separate colorways. The sample shown features Forbidden Fibers Gluttony yarn in 100% superwash Merino fiber, using three colorways: House of Slytherin (C1), Vault 713 (C2), and House of Ravenclaw (C3). Knitters will need US size 8 (5.0 mm) needles and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches by 36 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch on US size 8 needles after blocking. The finished shawl measures 144 inches across the wingspan and 22 inches in width when blocked.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Welcome to Divination employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The construction begins with a small cast-on and uses a stepped building method to create the heart shape. The primary stitch used throughout is garter stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric ideal for wraps and shawls. The pattern incorporates color changes across three separate sections, with each section worked in a different yarn color to create visual interest and depth.

• Garter Stitch: The foundation stitch throughout the pattern, created by knitting every row for a bumpy, textured appearance
• Slip Stitch: Used as a selvedge edge technique (slip 1 with yarn in front) to create neat, finished edges
• Stepped Construction: The shawl is built in stages with strategic cast-ons and bind-offs that create the distinctive stepped, layered silhouette
• Color Work: Three separate yarn colors (C1, C2, C3) are introduced at different points in the construction to add visual dimension

Pattern Structure

The pattern begins with casting on 4 stitches in the first color (C1) using US size 8 needles. Knitters work garter stitch rows with slip stitch selvedge edges, then strategically bind off and cast on new stitches to create the stepped construction. The second color (C2) is introduced after the initial section, followed by the third color (C3) to complete the design. This methodical approach allows knitters to build the shawl gradually while maintaining an intermediate difficulty level.

Blocking and Finishing

The finished shawl benefits from blocking to achieve its final dimensions and to even out the garter stitch texture. The gauge measurement of 22 stitches by 36 rows over 4 inches is taken after blocking, indicating that blocking is an important finishing step for achieving the intended finished size and drape.