Ifigenia

Ifigenia Semi-Circular Knit Shawl by Åsa Tricosa

What Is Being Made

Ifigenia is a sophisticated semi-circular shawl designed by Åsa Tricosa for advanced knitters. This elegant wrap measures approximately 80 x 180 cm (32" x 71") and is constructed as a single knitted piece worked sideways from one edge to the other. The semi-circular silhouette creates a graceful drape suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory.

Construction Method & Design Features

This shawl employs a distinctive sideways knitting approach that eliminates the need for purling back, making it an excellent choice for knitters who prefer working primarily on the right side. The design is intentionally structured with no rest rows, maintaining continuous engagement with the pattern throughout the knitting process.

Ifigenia is divided into 6 or 7 identical segments or wedges, each beginning with a picot cast-on and ending with a picot bind-off. This modular approach creates visual rhythm while maintaining structural integrity across the entire piece.

Shaping Techniques

The semi-circular shape is achieved through strategic short-row shaping. Each wrong-side row is worked 2 stitches shorter than the previous row, creating the gradual arc characteristic of the design. This technique produces a particularly satisfying knitting experience: as you progress through each wedge, the rows become progressively shorter, allowing the work to advance with increasing speed once you reach the midpoint of the chart.

Stitches & Pattern Details

Ifigenia features a charted lace pattern that is fully written out line by line across pages 7–12 of the pattern document. The edging incorporates a 6-row repeat that is knitted continuously along as you work, integrating the border seamlessly into the construction rather than adding it afterward.

Beading Options

The pattern includes optional beadwork using size 8 seed beads. Knitters may choose to incorporate 372 beads for a 6-wedge version or 434 beads for a 7-wedge version. The pattern notes that the design works beautifully with or without beading, allowing customization based on personal preference and desired embellishment level.

Materials & Yarn Specifications

Ifigenia is designed to be worked in lace-weight yarn. The pattern specifies Posh Yarn Sylvia 2ply, a luxurious blend of 50% merino and 50% silk. This yarn is available in 100g skeins with yardage of 800m (875 yards), providing the delicate drape and subtle sheen essential to the shawl's elegant aesthetic. The merino-silk blend offers both warmth and breathability, while the 2-ply construction creates the fine gauge necessary for lace-weight knitting.

Skill Level

This is an advanced knitting project suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with chart reading, short-row shaping, and lace techniques. The continuous pattern work without rest rows demands sustained focus and familiarity with maintaining tension and stitch definition in delicate yarn.