Ellis Shawl

Ellis Shawl by Melanie Mielinger

What Is Being Made

The Ellis Shawl is a triangular knitted shawl designed by Melanie Mielinger. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a generous wrap measuring 66 inches (165 cm) from tip to tip, with a maximum width of 22.5 inches (56 cm) at the deepest point. The shawl is constructed using a progressive increase method, beginning with a small number of stitches that expand throughout the project, making it an ideal design for knitters seeking a shapely, wearable accessory.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Ellis Shawl employs a chart-based construction method, requiring knitters to work through three sequential charts labeled Chart A, Chart B, and Chart C. The shawl begins with minimal stitches and grows through strategic increases concentrated on one side, creating the characteristic triangular silhouette. The pattern utilizes garter stitch as the primary stitch texture. For those desiring a larger finished shawl, Chart C can be repeated multiple times to extend the dimensions and increase yardage requirements accordingly. This modular approach allows customization of the final garment size while maintaining the original design proportions.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Ellis Shawl is worked primarily in garter stitch, a fundamental knitting technique created by knitting every row. This classic stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and offers excellent drape suitable for shawl construction. The pattern incorporates increases at designated points to shape the triangular form, though specific increase techniques are detailed within the pattern charts themselves.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Ideal from Fischer Wolle, a blend of 40% wool, 30% acrylics, and 30% polyamid. Total yardage requirement is 875 meters (7 balls of 50g / 125 meters each). This fiber blend combines the warmth and elasticity of wool with the durability and easy-care properties of synthetic fibers, creating a practical yarn suitable for everyday wear.
• Needles: US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, cable needle, or double-pointed needles
• Additional Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, 2 stitch markers to track pattern repeats, and an optional row counter to monitor progress through the charts

Gauge and Sizing Information

The Ellis Shawl is worked to a gauge of 17 stitches and 35 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) using US 6 (4 mm) needles in garter stitch, measured after blocking. While gauge is not considered crucial for this particular project, variations in tension will affect the final dimensions and yardage requirements. Knitters working at a tighter gauge will produce a smaller shawl requiring less yarn, while those with a looser gauge will create a larger shawl that may require additional yardage beyond the specified 875 meters.