Kyna

Kyna Sideways Shawl by Lucy Hague

What Is Being Made

Kyna is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed as a sideways construction project. This triangular shawl measures 57 inches (145 cm) in width and 17 inches (43 cm) from neck edge to lower point, making it an elegant accessory piece suitable for layering or draping. The sideways construction method allows knitters to work the shawl from one point outward, creating a unique shaping approach that differs from traditional top-down or bottom-up shawl patterns.

Design Features and Construction Techniques

The Kyna shawl showcases sophisticated design elements that combine both textural and visual interest. The edging features elegant twisted stitch cables worked against a garter stitch background, creating a striking contrast between the dimensional cable work and the smooth, ridged texture of garter stitch. Clean eyelet lines are positioned around the edges of the shawl, adding delicate openwork details that enhance the overall aesthetic.

A key technical feature of this design is the use of short rows strategically placed around the point of the triangle. These short rows serve a dual purpose: they ease the edging smoothly around the shawl's point while simultaneously enhancing the cable pattern without interrupting its flow. This careful placement demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skill, as short rows require understanding of turning techniques and maintaining pattern continuity.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter stitch – forms the primary background fabric, created by knitting every row
• Twisted stitch cables – the decorative edging element requiring a cable needle to create dimensional, twisted effects
• Eyelet stitches – openwork details created through yarn overs and decreases
• Short rows – used for shaping and easing the edging around the triangular point
• Knit and purl stitches – fundamental stitches that form the foundation of the pattern
• Yarn overs and decreases – essential for creating eyelet details and maintaining stitch count
• Make 1 increase (M1) – used for seamless increases within the pattern
• Knit front and back (kfb) – an alternative increase method employed in the design
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used throughout

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Kyna shawl requires 395 yards (361 meters) of 4-ply or fingering-weight yarn, making it an accessible project for those with leftover yarn from other projects. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Yarn Pony Tough & Twisted Pony in shade 027/100, a hand-dyed sock yarn composition of 80% merino and 20% nylon, with 399 yards per 100 grams. This yarn choice is ideal for showcasing the cable and eyelet details while providing durability through the nylon content.

The pattern specifies 4.0mm (US size 6) needles for flat knitting, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. Additional tools required include a cable needle for working the twisted stitch cables, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and sections, a darning needle for weaving in ends, and pins or wires for blocking to achieve the finished measurements and open up the eyelet details.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 18.5 stitches and 24.5 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project, as it directly affects the final dimensions of the shawl. Blocking is a critical finishing step that opens up the eyelet stitches, evens out the garter stitch texture, and helps the shawl drape beautifully when worn.

This intermediate-level knitting project combines classic shawl construction with contemporary design elements, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with cables, short rows, and more complex stitch patterns.