Wild Wings Shawlette

Wild Wings Shawlette by Therese Chynoweth

What is Being Made

The Wild Wings Shawlette is an intermediate-level triangular shawl designed by Therese Chynoweth. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a versatile accessory available in two sizes: Small with a top edge width of 54 inches (137 cm) and length of 11 inches (28 cm) at center, or Large with a top edge width of 92½ inches (235 cm) and length of 12½ inches (32 cm) at center. The shawlette's name references its winged silhouette, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

The Wild Wings Shawlette employs short-row shaping as its primary construction technique. This method involves wrapping stitches and turning the work to create the distinctive triangular form characteristic of modern shawlette design. The wrapped stitches are strategically placed on right-side purl stitches (which appear as knit stitches on the wrong side), allowing them to integrate seamlessly into the stitch pattern. This technique requires intermediate knitting skills and creates elegant shaping without the need for complex decreases.

Stitches Used

The pattern features a stitch gauge of approximately 16¾ stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when blocked. The design begins with a cast-on of 243 stitches for the Small size or 387 stitches for the Large size, worked flat rather than joined in the round. The pattern incorporates purl stitches on the right side as anchor points for the short-row wraps, creating textural interest and visual definition. Stitch markers are essential notions for tracking pattern repeats and shaping sections throughout the construction.

Materials

The Wild Wings Shawlette is designed for DK weight yarn (Light #3 category). The pattern requires 1 hank for the Small size or 2 hanks for the Large size, totaling 222 yards (203 meters) for Small or 487 yards (445 meters) for Large. The sample shown was knitted in Dye Monkey Boogie-Woogie Monkey, a 100% superwash fine merino wool yarn that provides 250 yards per 4 ounces (115 grams). The colorways featured are Teal Me Another One for the Small version and Sangria for the Large version.

Knitting needles required are US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring 32 or 40 inches (80 or 100 cm) in length, with the specific length chosen based on the gauge and pattern requirements noted in the design. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing. The designer notes that while gauge is not critical for this pattern, the yarn weight and needle size used will affect the final measurements.

Design Notes

This pattern is designed for intermediate knitters who have experience with short-row shaping and basic stitch manipulation. The shawlette is worked flat from the top edge downward, with the short-row wraps creating the gradual widening that forms the triangular silhouette. The use of superwash merino wool makes the finished shawlette easy to care for, and blocking is recommended to achieve the stated finished measurements and to fully develop the stitch definition created by the purl and knit pattern.