Verbena

Verbena Knit Shawl by Hanks And Needles

Project Overview

Verbena is an advanced beginner knit shawl designed by Makenzie Alvarez of Hanks And Needles. Inspired by the beauty of summer—sand between your toes, waves crashing against the shore, and flowers and trees at their peak—this shawl wraps you in summer's beauty as the seasons change. The design captures the essence of warm-weather aesthetics through its construction and drape.

What Is Being Made

Verbena is a knitted shawl available in two finished sizes. The Small Size measures 52 inches (132 cm) in wingspan by 21 inches (53 cm) in depth, while the Large Size measures 64 inches (162.5 cm) in wingspan by 27 inches (68.75 cm) in depth. This is a wearable accessory designed to be wrapped around the shoulders and provides substantial coverage for layering during transitional seasons.

Knitting Techniques

This advanced beginner project employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. The pattern utilizes a Garter Tab Cast On, which creates a decorative and functional starting point for the shawl. This cast-on method is worked using a 5mm crochet hook in conjunction with scrap yarn before transitioning to the main needles. The shawl is worked on circular needles, which is a standard technique for managing the increasing stitches required in shawl construction as the piece grows outward from the center or top-down.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While the specific stitch patterns are detailed within the full PDF pattern, the Garter Tab Cast On indicates that garter stitch—one of the most fundamental knitting stitches—plays a role in the construction. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row and produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The use of this cast-on method suggests the shawl may incorporate garter stitch elements or transitions, which are common in shawl design for creating structure and visual interest.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Verbena is designed to be worked in Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok, a worsted weight yarn composed of 100% Fine Highland Wool. The yarn is soft, durable, and provides excellent stitch definition. For the Small Size, one hank is required, offering 370 yards (338 meters) and weighing 5.25 ounces (150 grams). For the Large Size, two hanks are needed. The pattern specifies the colorway Drift Wood, which evokes natural, earthy tones reminiscent of weathered wood found along beaches—fitting for the summer-inspired design.

Additionally, the pattern includes Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Bundles in the Cool Bundle, which contains 21 hanks totaling 12 yards (10 meters) at 0.18 ounces (5 grams) per hank. These bundles provide supplementary yarn for the project.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for US 8 (5mm) circular needles with a minimum length of 32 inches (80 centimeters), or a size adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. Circular needles are essential for accommodating the expanding stitch count as the shawl grows. Two stitch markers are included as optional notions to help track pattern repeats and shaping sections. A 5mm crochet hook is required specifically for working the Garter Tab Cast On, and scrap yarn in a contrasting color is needed for this cast-on technique.

Skill Level and Pattern Difficulty

Verbena is rated as an Advanced Beginner project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting fundamentals and are ready to tackle more complex shaping and stitch patterns. This skill designation suggests the pattern includes intermediate techniques such as increases, decreases, and possibly lace or textured stitch patterns, while remaining accessible to those progressing beyond absolute beginner projects.

Designer Information

Verbena is created by Hanks And Needles, an independent designer brand. For more information, patterns, and designer updates, visit Ravelry, Instagram, or Facebook under HanksAndNeedles, or contact hanksandneedles@gmail.com.