Contrail

Contrail Shawl by Meg Gadsbey

What is Being Made

Contrail is an asymmetric triangular shawl designed by Meg Gadsbey. This two-colour knitted shawl features a distinctive bias construction that increases outwards from the top right point of the triangle, creating an elegant drape and generous wingspan. The finished shawl measures 86 inches (218.5 cm) across the wingspan and 17 inches (43 cm) in depth after blocking, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or wrapping.

Knitting Techniques

Contrail employs a bias knitting technique, where the shawl is constructed by increasing stitches outward from a single point. This method creates the asymmetric triangular shape and allows for controlled shaping and drape. The bias construction is a hallmark technique in modern shawl design, offering both visual interest and practical wearability. The pattern uses a two-colour approach, incorporating both a main colour (MC) and contrasting colour (CC) throughout the design to create visual depth and pattern definition.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch techniques in Contrail are garter stitch and slipped stitches. Garter stitch, created by knitting every row, forms the textured foundation of the shawl and contributes to its structure and drape. Slipped stitches are strategically incorporated to create pattern elements and visual texture. This combination of fundamental stitches makes Contrail accessible to intermediate knitters while still producing a sophisticated finished garment.

Materials Required

Contrail is designed to be knitted with Adagio Mills Alpaca 4 ply yarn, a 100% alpaca fingering-weight yarn. The total yardage requirement is 764 yards (700 metres), divided equally between main colour and contrasting colour at 382 yards (350 metres) each. The pattern shown uses Adagio Mills Alpaca in Clouds (main colour) and Concerto (contrasting colour), requiring 2 balls of each. Knitters will need US 6 / 4 mm circular needles in a length of 30 to 42 inches (75 to 110 cm) to accommodate the increasing stitch count. Additional notions include a removeable stitch marker (optional) and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The recommended gauge for Contrail is 18 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch after blocking. However, the pattern notes that gauge is not crucial to the success of the project. Variations in gauge will alter the finished size, drape characteristics, and total yarn requirements, allowing knitters flexibility in customizing the shawl to their preferences and available materials.

Difficulty Level

Contrail is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the stitch techniques employed are fundamental—garter stitch and slipped stitches—the bias construction and two-colour work require intermediate-level skills and attention to pattern instructions. This difficulty level makes the shawl an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills beyond basic patterns while still working with accessible techniques.