Shawls in Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK - 9836 - Downloadable PDF

Shawls in Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern contains two distinct shawl designs crafted from Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK yarn. The collection offers knitters the choice between a rectangular shawl and a triangular shawl, both worked at an advanced skill level. These are versatile accessories suitable for various occasions and seasons, with the organic cotton construction providing breathability and comfort.

Rectangular Shawl Design

The rectangular shawl measures approximately 36.5 cm wide by 183 cm long (14¼ inches by 72 inches). This generous length makes it ideal for draping, wrapping, or styling as a traditional shawl or wrap. The rectangular construction provides a practical shape that works well for layering over shoulders or arranging as desired.

Triangular Shawl Design

The triangular shawl offers an alternative silhouette, measuring 234.5 cm by 84.5 cm at its widest points (92¼ inches by 33¼ inches). This classic triangular shape is achieved through strategic increases and creates an elegant drape when worn.

Techniques and Construction Methods

Both shawls are constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suited to advanced practitioners. The rectangular shawl begins with a thumb method cast-on of 73 stitches, establishing a secure foundation. The designs incorporate garter stitch edging to frame the central pattern and provide structural stability. The shawls feature diagonal lace patterning as the primary decorative element, creating visual interest and texture throughout the pieces.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes several essential knitting stitches to create the finished designs:

• Garter stitch (g-st): Created by knitting every row, this stitch forms the initial border rows and edge stitches that frame the lace pattern
• Yarn forward (yfwd): An eyelet increase that creates decorative holes within the lace pattern, allowing yarn to pass over the needle to add stitches
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (s1, k1, psso): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn forwards to create balanced lace motifs
• Knit and purl stitches: The foundation stitches that create texture variation and structure within the diagonal lace pattern

The diagonal lace pattern repeats across rows 3 through 44 of the pattern sequence, creating a sophisticated openwork design that develops as knitters progress through the rows.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

These shawls are designed for Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating fabric with good drape and breathability. The pattern specifies five coordinated colorways from the Naturals range:

• Colour A – Coffee Bean (7190): 3 balls required
• Colour B – Rosewood (7189): 2 balls required
• Colour C – Pink Clay (7182): 2 balls required
• Colour D – Flax (7187): 2 balls required
• Colour E – Bone (7173): 3 balls required

Knitters can choose to work either design in a single color or combine multiple colors for a more complex, multi-colored effect. The organic cotton fiber provides a natural, sustainable choice with excellent stitch definition for lace work.

Needles and Tension

The pattern calls for 4 mm knitting needles to achieve the correct gauge. The working tension is 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches), measured over the diagonal lace pattern from rows 3 to 44. Achieving proper tension is essential for the shawls to reach their intended measurements and for the lace pattern to display correctly. Knitters should work a tension swatch before beginning to ensure their needle size produces the required gauge.

Skill Level Considerations

Classified as an advanced pattern, these shawls require solid foundational knitting skills and familiarity with lace techniques. Knitters should be comfortable with yarn overs, decre