Shoreline Shawl

Shoreline Shawl by Irina Anikeeva

What is Being Made

The Shoreline Shawl is a knitted triangular shawl designed by Irina Anikeeva. This intermediate-level project features a generous wingspan of 60 inches (152.5 cm) and a center height of 24 inches (61 cm), making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or wrapping. The shawl showcases a gradient color progression, transitioning from beige through multiple hues to blue, creating a shoreline-inspired aesthetic.

Construction Technique

The Shoreline Shawl is constructed using a top-down approach, worked back and forth in rows from the center top. The body of the shawl is knitted first, followed by a distinctive side-to-side edging that is joined to the body one row at a time. This construction method allows for flexible finishing and creates a seamless integration between the main body and the decorative border.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: Formed by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. This classic stitch creates a smooth, refined fabric that showcases the yarn's color gradient beautifully.
• Garter Stitch: Created by knitting every row. This textured stitch adds visual interest and structural definition to portions of the design.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Approximately 900 yards (823 meters) of DK weight yarn. The pattern calls for The Unique Sheep Super Wool DK Gradience Set, which contains 100% superwash merino fiber. This yarn set includes 6 skeins totaling 889 yards (813 meters) in 13¼ ounces (380 grams), distributed as five skeins of 117 yards (107 meters) each and one skein of 304 yards (278 meters). The color progression is named "A good day for a picnic," transitioning from beige (Color A) through intermediate shades to blue (Color F).

Needles: Two circular needles are required to accommodate the large number of stitches as the shawl expands. Use US 7 (4.55 mm) circular needles in both 24-inch (60 cm) and 40-inch (100 cm) lengths. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve proper gauge.

Notions: Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a cable needle for any cable techniques, stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Shoreline Shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle larger projects and more complex construction methods. The top-down, side-to-side edging technique requires attention to detail and understanding of how to join new sections to existing fabric.