My Own Backyard

My Own Backyard Shawl by Jennifer Lassonde

Project Overview

My Own Backyard is a top-down, half-hexagonal shawl designed by Jennifer Lassonde. This knitting pattern is ideal for crafters seeking a beginner-friendly shawl project that combines straightforward construction with elegant finishing details. The finished shawl measures 47 inches across the wingspan with a 15-inch depth at the center, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and styling preferences.

Construction and Design

This shawl features a top-down construction method, allowing knitters to begin at the top edge and work downward toward the outer perimeter. The design is particularly well-suited for gradient yarn sets, where color transitions create visual interest as the shawl expands. However, the pattern accommodates tonal, variegated, speckled yarns, or any combination thereof, offering flexibility for different yarn choices and personal aesthetic preferences.

Stitch Techniques

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the shawl body, creating a simple, textured fabric that is beginner-friendly and forgiving of tension variations
• Lace Border: A lovely but simple lace pattern frames the outer edge, adding sophistication and visual dimension to the finished piece
• Mock I-Cord Edging: Applied along the perimeter to create a polished, finished appearance without the complexity of traditional i-cord techniques

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is worked in fingering weight yarn, specifically demonstrated using Dragonfly Fibers Dragon Sock Gradient Set. The project requires six 1-ounce mini skeins totaling 585 yards. The yarn shown is 100% superwash merino in the Titania colorway, providing excellent stitch definition and durability. Superwash treatment makes this shawl easy to care for and maintain.

Needles and Gauge

Knitters will need US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles with a long cord for the main body work; a 32-inch or 40-inch needle length is recommended to accommodate the expanding stitch count. A US 8 (5.0 mm) needle—available as circular, straight, or double-pointed—is used for the bind-off process. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 19 stitches over 4 inches in garter stitch after gentle blocking, ensuring proper sizing and drape.

Notions and Optional Supplies

Essential notions include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases. Optional supplies include 25 additional stitch markers for marking individual lace repeats, which can aid in pattern tracking and error correction, and a locking stitch marker for securing stitches if needed during the project.

Skill Level

Classified as a beginner-level pattern, My Own Backyard is accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. The straightforward garter stitch body builds confidence, while the simple lace border and mock i-cord edging introduce basic lace and finishing techniques without overwhelming complexity. This project serves as an excellent entry point into shawl knitting.