Fairview Shawl in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima - DK447 - Downloadable PDF

Fairview Shawl by Laurie Beardsley

What is Being Made

The Fairview Shawl is a knitted accessory designed as an easy-level wrap measuring 68 inches wide by 18 inches long. This rectangular shawl is crafted from Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Cotton, a breathable 100% Pima cotton yarn ideal for warm-weather wear. The finished piece serves as a versatile layering accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The pattern utilizes yarn overs to create decorative openwork and lace elements throughout the design. Increases and decreases are strategically placed to shape the shawl and control stitch counts across rows. The combination of these shaping techniques with basic knit stitches creates visual interest while maintaining an accessible skill level for newer knitters.

Stitches Used

The Fairview Shawl incorporates a variety of essential knitting stitches:

• Knit (K): The foundational stitch forming the base structure
• Yarn Over (YO): Creates decorative holes and lace patterning
• Knit Front and Back (kfb): An increase method that adds stitches
• Make 1 Left (m1l): A left-leaning increase technique
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog): A right-leaning single stitch decrease
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning single stitch decrease
• Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitches Over (s2kp2): A centered double decrease for refined shaping

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Cotton, a premium yarn composed of 100% Pima cotton. The project calls for 3 skeins in color #3761 (juniper), with each skein containing 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and yielding 200 yards (200 meters) of yarn, providing a total of approximately 600 yards for the completed shawl. The yarn weight is classified as DK (double knitting), a lightweight category suitable for delicate, drape-friendly garments.

Knitting is worked on US 6 (4mm) knitting needles, or a size adjusted to achieve the specified gauge. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends and finishing the completed shawl.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches by 36 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured unblocked. While gauge is noted as not crucial to this particular design, achieving or adjusting to the recommended gauge will affect both the finished dimensions and the total yardage required. This flexibility makes the Fairview Shawl an excellent project for knitters still developing consistent tension control.