Chandoba

Chandoba Shawl by Anna Dalvi

Project Overview

Chandoba is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Anna Dalvi. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a sophisticated triangular shawl with a generous wingspan of 47 inches (120 cm) and a height of 23.5 inches (60 cm) when blocked. The design features elegant colorwork combining a main color with a contrasting accent, making it a striking accessory suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Craft and Technique

This project is created entirely through knitting, the primary technique used throughout the pattern. The shawl employs traditional knitting methods combined with strategic colorwork techniques that add visual interest and complexity to the finished piece. The pattern uses yarn manipulation techniques where different colored yarns are crossed over one another during knitting, creating intricate stitch patterns without the need for traditional stranding or intarsia methods.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter stitch - the foundational stitch structure, created by knitting every row, providing a textured, reversible fabric
• Yarn overs (yo) - used to create decorative holes and increase stitches strategically throughout the design
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) - a left-leaning decrease technique used for shaping
• Yarn crossing techniques - the pattern employs custom yarn manipulation where working yarn is crossed over the main color (xMC1, xMC2) or contrast color (xCC), then work continues with the specified color, creating unique colorwork effects
• Stitch markers - used to denote pattern repeat sections and key shaping points

Materials Required

The Chandoba shawl is worked in Zen Yarn Garden CashSilk Fingering, a luxurious 4-ply yarn blend containing 55% silk and 45% cashmere. This premium yarn provides 400 yards (366 meters) per 55-gram skein. The pattern calls for 1 full skein of Silver Moon for the main color and 0.6 skeins of Frosted Teal for the contrast color accent work.

Needles required are US 1 (2.25 mm) in an appropriate length for shawl knitting. Additional supplies include a large-eyed blunt needle for weaving in ends and 3 stitch markers for tracking pattern sections.

Gauge and Sizing Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch, blocked. However, the designer notes that yarn weight and gauge are not critical for this particular project, offering flexibility for crafters who may wish to substitute yarn or adjust needle sizes while maintaining the essential design aesthetic.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more complex techniques. The yarn crossing methods and colorwork integration require attention to detail and understanding of how to manage multiple yarn colors simultaneously, making it an ideal project for developing advanced knitting competencies.