Piccolo

Piccolo Shawl by Tante Ehm

What Is Being Made

The Piccolo is a miniature crescent-shaped shawl designed by independent designer Tante Ehm. Named after the small orchestral flute that produces sound an octave higher than standard size, this shawl brings sparkle and vitality to everyday wear. Perfect for pairing with blue jeans and a tee, the finished shawl measures 70 inches (170 cm) wide and 9.5 inches (25 cm) deep, making it an elegant accessory that adds visual interest without bulk.

Techniques Used

The Piccolo employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive crescent shape and delicate appearance. The shawl is worked straight from the bottom, beginning with a garter stitch lace edging that establishes the foundation. Short rows are the primary shaping technique, used throughout the stockinette stitch section to create the curved, crescent silhouette. The construction concludes with a few rows of garter stitch at the top edge to finish cleanly. This combination of techniques requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and careful attention to stitch placement and tension.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch: The main fabric of the shawl, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, flat surface
• Garter stitch: Used for both the lace edging at the bottom and the finishing rows at the top, providing textural contrast and a secure edge
• Lace stitches: Incorporated into the garter stitch edging to create an open, delicate border that adds sparkle and visual appeal

Materials and Specifications

The Piccolo requires 435 to 460 yards (400 to 420 meters) of fingering weight yarn, classified as 4-ply. The original design was created using The Plucky Knitter Silk Merino 50/50 Fingering in the colorway Loco Dempsey from the March 2010 Plucky Classics Club collection. Recommended needles are US#3 (3.25mm) and US#4 (3.5mm), with the primary gauge worked on US#3 needles at 22 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Additional materials include stitch markers and a yarn needle for weaving in ends. The blend of silk and merino in the original yarn provides both drape and elasticity, making it ideal for a shawl that maintains its crescent shape while remaining soft and wearable.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with short-row shaping, reading complex stitch patterns, and managing multiple techniques within a single project. The combination of lace edging, stockinette shaping, and garter stitch finishing requires precision and understanding of how different stitch types interact.