Rufino Shawl

Rufino Shawl by Kourtney Robinson

What is Being Made

The Rufino Shawl is a triangular knit shawl designed by Kourtney Robinson for Dollybird Workshop. This intermediate-level project creates a generous triangular shawl with minimal openwork, making it suitable for travel and everyday wear. The pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights, offering versions in fingering weight and heavy laceweight yarn, allowing knitters to choose between a denser, more structured garment or a lighter, airier finished piece while maintaining a similar overall size.

Design and Construction Techniques

The Rufino Shawl employs fundamental triangular shawl construction methods, building from a small cast-on and increasing gradually to create the characteristic triangular shape. The design prioritizes a solid fabric structure with very limited lace patterning, making it an accessible intermediate project. The pattern was originally conceived for a travel-ready garment knit at a dense gauge using sport weight yarn. The current pattern versions maintain this practical philosophy by offering gauge options that produce similar finished dimensions while accommodating different yarn weights and allowing knitters to adjust the fabric density to their preference—either for durability or for a more delicate, breathable drape.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which forms the foundation of the shawl and creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern uses standard increase techniques to shape the triangular form. Stitch markers are employed throughout the project to track pattern repeats and shaping points, and a darning needle is used for finishing and weaving in ends.

Yarn and Materials

The Rufino Shawl pattern provides specifications for two yarn weight options:

• Fingering Weight Version: Uses A Verb For Keeping Warm "Creating" yarn, which is 100% superwash merino wool. This version requires 1 skein of 352 meters (385 yards) per 100 grams. The recommended color is Bolinas. Knitting is worked on a 3.25mm (US #3) circular needle at a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch on a flat surface.
• Heavy Laceweight Version: Uses Cephalopod Yarns "Nautilace," a blend of 60% silk and 40% camel fiber. This version requires 2 skeins of 366 meters (400 yards) per 56 grams each. The recommended color is Blue Green Chromis (Y17). This version is worked on a 2.75mm (US #2) circular needle at a gauge of 27 stitches and 40 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch on a flat surface.

Both versions use an 80-centimeter (32-inch) circular needle and require four stitch markers and a darning needle to complete the project.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle shawl construction and garment shaping.