Onwards Shawl

Onwards Shawl by Stefanie Johnson

What Is Being Made

The Onwards Shawl is a generously sized lightweight shawl designed to wrap up in on cool days. This knitted accessory measures 17 inches (43 cm) wide by 64 inches (162.5 cm) long, making it a substantial piece suitable for layering and warmth without excessive bulk. The shawl combines multiple stitch patterns to create visual interest and a sense of movement throughout the finished garment.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Onwards Shawl features three complementary stitch patterns that work together to create dynamic visual effects: cable stitches, zigzag patterns, and lace stitches. These pattern combinations provide an effect of movement in the piece, making it visually engaging while maintaining the lightweight quality appropriate for a shawl.

Cable Stitches: The pattern includes left-leaning cables (1/1LC) and right-leaning cables (1/1RC). The 1/1LC technique involves slipping 1 stitch to a cable needle and holding it in front, knitting 1 stitch, then knitting 1 stitch from the cable needle. The 1/1RC reverses this process by holding the cable needle in back before knitting.

Increase and Decrease Techniques: The shawl employs several increase methods to shape the piece. M1L (make 1 left) involves lifting the horizontal strand between stitches from the front with the left needle and knitting through the back loop. M1R (make 1 right) lifts the strand from the back and knits through the front loop. Decreases include K2tog (knit 2 stitches together), K3tog (knit 3 stitches together), and P3tog (purl 3 stitches together) for shaping.

Specialty Stitches: The pattern incorporates knit-tbl (knit through the back loop) and purl-tbl (purl through the back loop) for textural variation. Slip stitches are used as S1 (slip 1 stitch as if to purl) and S1 wyif (slip 1 stitch with yarn in front) for edge definition and pattern continuity.

Yarn Weight and Gauge

The Onwards Shawl is worked in 4-ply yarn, which provides a lightweight fabric suitable for the shawl's intended purpose. The gauge is 22 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, establishing the foundation for achieving the finished dimensions and drape of the completed shawl.

Difficulty Level

This is an advanced knitting project, appropriate for experienced knitters who are comfortable working with cable stitches, lace patterns, and multiple stitch techniques simultaneously. The combination of cables, zigzag patterns, and lace requires attention to stitch placement and pattern reading skills.

Designer Information

The Onwards Shawl is designed by Stefanie Johnson and is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it accessible for knitters to work at their own pace.