K851-Hibiscus Shawl

K851 – Hibiscus Shawl by Nazanin Fard

What is Being Made

The K851 – Hibiscus Shawl is an advanced-level knitted shawl constructed from multiple square motifs joined together. This design creates a modular, block-based shawl where each individual motif begins at the center and is worked outward in the round. The finished shawl is produced by joining these blocks together, resulting in a cohesive garment with a distinctive geometric structure.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs several key knitting techniques suited to advanced crafters. The primary construction method involves circular knitting in the round, with each motif worked from the center outward. The pattern incorporates yarn overs to create lace patterning and shaping within the motifs. Finishing techniques include either crocheted chain bind-off for joining motifs or alternative tapestry needle seaming for those who prefer to avoid crochet. The modular construction allows crafters to customize their approach: using a crochet hook to chain bind off and join motifs, or loosely binding off and sewing pieces together with a tapestry needle. Note that the seaming method will affect the final dimensions, resulting in a smaller finished shawl compared to the crocheted chain method.

Stitches Used

The K851 – Hibiscus Shawl utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace elements. Knit stitches form the base fabric, particularly on even-numbered rounds. Yarn overs (yo) are used to create the lace patterning and decorative openwork characteristic of lace-weight designs. The pattern structure repeats across multiple rounds to build the geometric motif design.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn: 880 yards (805 meters) of lace weight yarn. The sample project was worked with Knit Picks Shadow, a 100% Merino Wool yarn in the colorway Blossom Heather #27028 (440 yards per 50 grams)
• Needles: Two 16-inch circular needles or five double-pointed needles (DPNs), both in US size 3 (3.25 mm)
• Additional Tools: US size B (2.25 mm) crochet hook (optional, for crocheted chain bind-off method), stitch markers, and tapestry needle
• Gauge: Each completed motif measures 8 inches (20 cm) square when worked with size 3 needles at proper gauge

Pattern Structure

The shawl is composed of 10 individual motifs, each beginning with a cast-on of 16 stitches distributed evenly across the circular needles or DPNs. Each motif is worked in the round, beginning with a knit round followed by alternating knit rounds on even-numbered rows and patterned rounds featuring yarn overs on odd-numbered rows. This construction creates square blocks that are then joined together to form the complete shawl. The flexibility in finishing methods—crocheted chains versus tapestry needle seaming—allows crafters to choose the technique that best suits their skill level and preferences.