Back to the roots

Back to the Roots Knitted Shawl by Atalante

What Is Being Made

Back to the Roots is a knitted shawl pattern designed by Atalante, a independent designer. This downloadable PDF pattern offers two finished size options: 83cm (33 inches) and 112cm (44 inches), making it versatile for different preferences and yarn quantities. The shawl is an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and shaping techniques.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This shawl employs several classic knitting techniques to create its finished design. The pattern utilizes yarn overs (YO) for lace construction, which creates decorative holes and openwork throughout the fabric. Increases are worked using the make 1 stitch (M1) method to shape the shawl as it expands from the cast-on edge. The pattern incorporates a distinctive cabled border as a design feature, though the pattern notes indicate this can be substituted with garter stitch for a simpler alternative if desired. Circular needles are used for the construction, allowing for the management of increasing stitch counts as the shawl grows.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches to build the shawl structure:

• Knit (k) – the basic stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (p) – used in combination with knit stitches for textural variation and stockinette stitch sections
• Yarn over (YO) – creates the lace pattern and decorative openwork characteristic of lace-weight shawls
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used to shape the shawl
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease providing balanced decreases throughout the pattern
• Make 1 stitch (M1) – an increase method for expanding the shawl dimensions

The pattern also uses stockinette stitch sections, measured at a gauge of 22 stitches by 33 rows over a 10cm (4-inch) square, which provides the base fabric between lace elements.

Materials and Tools Required

The shawl is worked in lace weight yarn, which is one of the finest yarn weights used in knitting. The pattern calls for approximately 700 meters (760 yards) of lace weight yarn. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using handspun singles yarn called Drachenwolle Merino in the colorway Apfel, demonstrating how this pattern works beautifully with artisanal and specialty yarns.

Essential tools include 3.5mm (US 4) circular needles for working the shawl, which accommodate the fine gauge required for lace weight yarn. A tapestry needle is necessary for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the project. Two stitch markers help track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the knitting process.

The pattern offers an optional embellishment: approximately 850 beads in size 9/0 seeds can be incorporated into the design for added sparkle and dimension, though this is not required for completing the shawl.

Pattern Notes

This pattern was tested by experienced knitters and is designed for personal use only. The designer, Lotta Groeger (known as Atalante on Ravelry), provides contact information for questions or pattern corrections, emphasizing the designer's commitment to pattern accuracy and knitter support.