Eyjafjallajökull Shawl

Eyjafjallajökull Shawl by Anna Dalvi

What is Being Made

The Eyjafjallajökull Shawl is a circular knitted shawl designed to be worked from the center outward. The finished garment measures approximately 160 cm (63 inches) in diameter, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping. This downloadable PDF pattern is an independent designer creation by Anna Dalvi, offering knitters a beginner-friendly project in the shawl category.

Construction Technique

This shawl employs the pi construction method, a mathematical approach to circular shawl design that creates a naturally proportioned, flat circular garment. The pattern begins with a minimal number of stitches cast on using an invisible loop cast-on technique, which allows the center of the shawl to close seamlessly. Stitches are initially divided evenly across three double-pointed needles before transitioning to circular needles (or magic loop method) once sufficient stitches accumulate on the needles. This progression from dpns to circular needles is a standard technique for managing large numbers of stitches when working in the round.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Eyjafjallajökull Shawl uses fundamental knitting stitches accessible to beginner knitters:

• Knit stitch (k) – the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Yarn over (yo) – creates decorative eyelet increases that are both functional and aesthetic, distributed evenly throughout the pattern to achieve the circular expansion
• Stitch markers – used to mark the beginning of rounds and track pattern repeats

The pattern follows a structured repeat sequence with alternating rounds of increases (yarn overs) and plain knitting rounds, creating a rhythmic, easy-to-follow progression suitable for beginner-level knitters.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for 8 oz. (approximately 512 meters or 560 yards per 4 oz.) of yarn in a 4-ply weight. The recommended yarn is Little Traveller from Sanguine Gryphon, a 100% merino fiber in the colorway Rojas, though similar 4-ply merino or comparable yarn weights are suitable substitutes.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need 4.0 mm circular needles with a minimum 80 cm cable length to accommodate the expanding stitch count. Three 4.0 mm double-pointed needles are required for the initial cast-on and early rounds before switching to circular needles. A 4.0 mm crochet hook is listed as optional, likely for finishing the shawl edge. Additional tools include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent introduction to circular shawl knitting. The straightforward stitch vocabulary (knit and yarn over), combined with the logical pi construction progression, allows newer knitters to complete a sophisticated finished garment while building foundational skills in circular knitting and stitch increases.