MEGAROW Shawl

MEGAROW Shawl by Jennifer Lassonde

What Is Being Made

The MEGAROW Shawl is a large triangular knit shawl designed by Jennifer Lassonde. This project creates a generous wrap measuring 120 inches (305 centimeters) wide and 18 inches (46 centimeters) deep at the center, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is worked in a multi-color gradient construction, incorporating seven distinct yarn colors to create visual interest and depth.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The primary construction method uses garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row on both sides of the work. Garter stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and is one of the most accessible stitch patterns for new knitters. The shawl is worked flat on circular needles, which provide flexibility and comfort when managing the increasing width of the project as stitches accumulate.

The design incorporates stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases. A locking stitch marker is used to secure stitches during construction, while standard stitch markers denote the shawl edges. The pattern employs strategic yarn color changes across seven colors to create a gradient effect, with the color transitions building visual movement throughout the finished piece.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: The foundational stitch throughout the shawl, created by knitting every row
• Increases: Used to shape the triangular silhouette and expand the shawl width
• Bind-off: Applied with a larger needle size (US 9/5.5 mm) to create a stretchy, flexible edge finish

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The MEGAROW Shawl uses 100% Merino wool yarns in fingering weight (also called 4-ply), which is a fine yarn category ideal for creating drape and delicate texture. The yarn selection includes:

• Color A: Baah La Jolla in the Fog colorway, 100% Merino fingering weight, 400 yards per 100 grams (approximately 350 yards used in the sample)
• Colors B, C, D, E, and F: Woolbearers Gradient Sets in Sterling colorway, 100% Merino fingering weight, 700 yards per 142 grams (approximately 500 yards used in the sample). These five colors may be worked from individual mini skeins or substituted with a single gradient skein for simplified color management
• Color G: Periwinkle Sheep in The Witch's Cauldron colorway, 100% Merino fingering weight, 400 yards per 100 grams (approximately 260 yards used in the sample)

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US 7 (4.5 millimeter) circular needles for the main body of the shawl, with a recommended total needle length of 32 to 60 inches to accommodate the expanding stitch count. A US 9 (5.5 millimeter) needle of any style is used specifically for the bind-off edge, creating a looser, more elastic finish.

The working gauge is 16 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in garter stitch, which determines the final dimensions of the finished shawl. Achieving proper gauge ensures the shawl reaches its intended 120-inch width and 18-inch center depth.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, the MEGAROW Shawl is accessible to knitters new to the craft. The straightforward garter stitch construction, combined with basic shaping techniques, makes this an ideal pattern for developing fundamental knitting skills while creating a practical, wearable garment. The large scale and simple stitch pattern allow beginners to build confidence and speed.