Tarot

Tarot Shawl by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

The Tarot shawl is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed as a downloadable PDF by Brian Smith Designs. This triangular shawl showcases elegant construction techniques combined with decorative lace elements, resulting in a finished wingspan of 228 centimeters and a maximum width of 76 centimeters when properly blocked.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a large triangular shawl suitable for wrapping and draping. The design features a garter stitch border with an integrated lace pattern section, making it both a practical and decorative garment. The generous wingspan provides ample coverage, while the strategic increases throughout the pattern create the characteristic triangular silhouette.

Yarn and Materials

The Tarot shawl is worked using The Yarn Whisperer yarn in the shade King of Cups, requiring two skeins of 4-ply weight yarn. A 120-centimeter circular needle in UK size 4mm (US size 6) accommodates the growing number of stitches as the shawl expands. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a blocking kit to achieve the finished measurements.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 16 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters in blocked stocking stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements. After blocking, the completed shawl measures 228 centimeters across the wingspan with a maximum width of 76 centimeters at the deepest point.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Tarot shawl employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Garter Stitch: A 3-stitch border of garter stitch (knit every row) frames the shawl edges, providing structure and definition
• Stocking Stitch: The main body utilizes stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) as the base fabric
• Increases: Kfb (knit into front and back of next stitch) creates paired increases positioned symmetrically within the border stitches to shape the triangular form
• Decreases: Ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases are worked to balance the increases and maintain shaping
• Lace Pattern: Yarn round needle (yrn) combined with purl two together (p2tog) creates an eyelet lace motif repeated across specific rows, adding visual interest and texture

Pattern Structure

The pattern begins with a small cast-on of 9 stitches, establishing the apex of the triangle. Initial rows of garter stitch create a stable foundation before transitioning into the main pattern repeat. The construction uses a systematic approach: a 3-stitch garter border is maintained on both edges, with increases and decreases positioned strategically to control shaping. The lace pattern section introduces eyelet details through repeated yarn overs and decreases, creating an open, airy quality within the fabric. This combination of techniques demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skill, requiring competence with both shaping methods and lace pattern reading.

Blocking and Finishing

Blocking is essential for achieving the stated finished measurements and allowing the lace pattern to open fully. The pattern specifies use of a blocking kit, indicating that wet blocking or steam blocking is recommended to set the stitches and create the final drape and dimensions of the completed shawl.