Tartanesque shawl

Tartanesque Shawl by Atelier des Glenettes

What is Being Made

The Tartanesque shawl is a top-down knitted shawl designed by Atelier des Glenettes. This intermediate-level project uses approximately 850 meters (930 yards) of DK weight yarn and creates a garment with textured motifs and traditional knitting stitch patterns. The shawl is worked from the center outward, beginning with a small cast-on and expanding through strategic increases to achieve its finished dimensions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The shawl is constructed using a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the piece as it grows and adjust the final size as desired. The pattern incorporates yarn-over increases to create shaping and decorative elements throughout the design. Make 1 increases using the backwards loop method are also utilized for additional stitch creation. The use of stitch markers is essential for tracking pattern repeats and managing the multiple sections of the shawl as it expands.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Tartanesque shawl features a combination of classic knitting stitches and textured motifs. The primary stitches used include:

• Stockinette stitch – the foundational smooth fabric that forms the base of the shawl
• 2x2 ribbing – a textured stitch pattern that provides elasticity and visual interest
• Textured motifs – decorative stitch patterns worked from charts that create the distinctive tartan-inspired design
• Yarn overs – used both for increases and to create openwork details
• Slip stitches – employed at edges for a finished appearance

The pattern is worked following written instructions and stitch charts, allowing knitters to visualize the textured motifs as they progress through the rows.

Materials and Tools

The Tartanesque shawl requires 4 skeins of DK weight yarn, totaling approximately 850 meters or 930 yards. The pattern sample shown in the original design was knitted using The Woolly skein yarn in the colorway Milk & Honey, colour Celebrity. Knitters should use 4.5 mm needles (US size 7) and will need 3 stitch markers to track pattern sections and increases throughout the construction.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The recommended gauge for this pattern is 20 stitches and 24 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch. Final dimensions may vary depending on individual gauge, yarn characteristics, and blocking methods applied after completion. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and measure their gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished dimensions.

Pattern Structure

The pattern begins with a small cast-on of 5 stitches at the center and uses a systematic approach to increases, with yarn overs and make 1 stitches placed strategically to create the shawl's expanding shape. Stitch markers are slipped as the knitter works, helping to maintain pattern alignment across the multiple sections. The intermediate difficulty level makes this project suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable following charts and managing multiple stitch patterns simultaneously.