Senary

Senary Knit Shawl by Helen Gipson

What is Being Made

Senary is a trapezoid-shaped knit shawl designed by Helen Gipson as the second installment in a planned mini series of shawl patterns. The shawl features a distinctive construction method where three triangles combine to create the final trapezoid silhouette. The featured sample measures approximately 68 inches wide by 26 inches deep after blocking, making it a generous wrap-style shawl suitable for layering or draping.

Construction and Design Method

This shawl grows through a systematic pattern repeat structure that creates six new columns with each complete pattern cycle, which inspired the shawl's name. The design uses alternating columns of two distinct stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and textural contrast. The pattern is worked from the center outward in expanding triangular sections, allowing for customization of the finished size by simply adding or reducing the number of pattern repeats worked.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cable knitting: Simple cables are worked in alternating columns throughout the shawl, creating raised twisted stitch patterns that add dimension
• Open lace work: Fagot lace stitches are alternated with the cable columns, introducing openwork and airiness to balance the density of the cables
• Purl separation: Purl stitches separate the six new columns created in each 12-row repeat, providing clear visual definition between pattern sections
• Blocking: The finished shawl is blocked to achieve its final measurements and to open up the lace elements

Stitches and Pattern Structure

The pattern uses a chart-based system with clearly marked sections showing how new columns are introduced. The pattern repeats every 12 rows, with new columns highlighted at rows 12 and 24 to make the expansion points obvious. Chart A provides specific guidance on how to work the new columns on all subsequent even-numbered repeats, making the pattern intuitive and easy to memorize once the initial structure is understood. Despite the appearance of complexity in the charted instructions, the pattern is designed to become intuitive as you work through the repeats.

Yarn and Materials

The featured sample was created using Garnstudio Drops Nepal yarn in an aran weight, requiring 680 yards total (the yarn is available in 82-yard/50-gram skeins). Aran weight yarn is a medium-heavy yarn that works well for shawls, providing good stitch definition for both the cable and lace elements while creating a fabric with good drape and warmth. The yarn choice contributes to the shawl's structure and ability to hold the blocked shape.

Skill Level and Pattern Difficulty

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the charted pattern may initially appear intimidating, Helen Gipson designed it to become intuitive once you establish the rhythm of the repeats. Knitters should be comfortable reading knitting charts and working both cable and lace stitches before beginning this project. The pattern provides clear instructions and visual guides to help navigate the column expansions that occur throughout the work.

Customization Options

One of the key features of the Senary pattern is its flexibility in sizing. Rather than providing multiple size variations, the pattern allows you to customize your finished shawl by working fewer or additional pattern repeats beyond the 10 repeats featured in the sample. This means you can create a smaller, more delicate wrap or a larger, more generous shawl by simply adjusting the number of repeats, making the pattern adaptable to your yarn yardage and desired finished dimensions.