On the Trail Shawl

On the Trail Shawl by Ester Puente

What is Being Made

The On the Trail Shawl is a relaxing, wearable accessory designed for knitters who want to bring their craft along on outdoor adventures. This sideways-knit shawl combines functional garter stitch sections with decorative eyelet details, creating a garment that offers both visual interest and meditative knitting rhythm. The pattern is inspired by the experience of hiking a scenic trail, translating that sense of journey and discovery into the knitting process itself.

Knitting Techniques

This shawl is constructed using a sideways knitting method, which means you cast on a small number of stitches and gradually increase across rows to build the shawl's width. This approach offers several advantages: it creates natural stitch markers for shaping, allows you to try on the garment as you work, and provides a meditative rhythm perfect for portable knitting projects. The pattern includes strategic increases that shape the shawl while maintaining visual balance throughout the construction process.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the foundation stitch created by knitting every row, providing a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape
• Eyelet stitch – decorative openwork created using yarn overs combined with decreases, adding visual interest and a lacy quality to specific sections
• Yarn over (yo) – creates the openwork holes characteristic of eyelet patterns
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease that balances yarn overs and maintains stitch count

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The On the Trail Shawl pattern accommodates two different yarn weights, offering flexibility for various fiber preferences and desired finished sizes:

• Sock/Fingering Weight Version: Requires 800 yards of fingering weight yarn. The sample shown uses 2 skeins of Olive Yarn Bella Sock in the Honey Pot colorway, with each skein providing 420 yards. This lighter yarn weight creates a delicate, lacy drape ideal for layering or warmer climates.
• DK/Worsted Weight Version: The pattern also includes instructions for DK and worsted weight yarns, allowing knitters to work with heavier fibers for a more substantial, cozy finished shawl.

Needles and Tools

For the sock/fingering weight version, you will need a US 6 circular needle with a 24-inch cord, which provides adequate length for managing stitches as the shawl expands. Additionally, 2 stitch markers help track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the construction, making it easier to follow the sideways increase sequence.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner-friendly pattern, the On the Trail Shawl uses fundamental knitting techniques including basic stitches, simple increases, and straightforward decreases. The sideways construction and repetitive row sequences make this an excellent project for knitters building confidence with shawl construction, while the eyelet details add enough visual interest to keep experienced knitters engaged.