Basketwave

Basketwave Asymmetrical Shawl by Katrina Workman Designs

Project Overview

Basketwave is an intermediate-level knitted shawl featuring an asymmetrical silhouette and wave-like construction. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Katrina Workman Designs combines short-row shaping with five distinct basket weave stitch patterns to create visual depth and texture. The finished shawl measures 74 inches by 20 inches (186 cm by 51 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Stitch Techniques and Construction

The Basketwave shawl is constructed using short rows as the primary shaping method, which creates the characteristic wave-like form that inspired the pattern name. The design incorporates five different basket weave patterns throughout the piece, allowing knitters to explore varied texture combinations within a single project. Basket weave stitches are created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a structured sequence, producing a woven appearance that resembles interlocking fabric. This technique adds visual interest and dimension to the finished garment while remaining accessible to intermediate-level knitters.

Colorway Options

The Basketwave pattern offers flexible colorway choices to suit different preferences and yarn stash availability:

• Five-Color Version: Features a main color used for the garter stitch sections (approximately 270 yards of sock or fingering weight yarn) combined with five contrasting colors in the patterned sections (approximately 70 yards each of sock or fingering weight yarn). Katrina Workman Designs recommends using solid or tonal yarns for the contrasting colors to allow the basket weave stitches to stand out visually.
• Two-Color Version: Uses a main color for the garter stitch sections (approximately 270 yards of sock or fingering weight yarn) paired with a single contrasting color for the pattern sections (approximately 350 yards of sock or fingering weight yarn).
• Monochromatic Version: Can be worked entirely in one color for a more subtle, textural effect where the basket weave patterns create visual interest through stitch definition alone.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern is designed for sock or fingering weight yarn, which is a 4-ply or cobweb weight classification. The recommended needle size is US 4 or 3.5 mm circular needles. The gauge swatch measures 4 inches by 4 inches (10 cm by 10 cm) and should yield 20 stitches and 24 rows when worked in the pattern stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions and ensuring the wave shaping develops as intended.

Skill Level

Basketwave is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more complex stitch patterns and short-row shaping techniques. The combination of multiple basket weave variations and asymmetrical construction provides an engaging challenge while remaining achievable for experienced beginners advancing their craft.