Ariel shawl

Ariel Shawl by Kelly Spenhoff

What Is Being Made

The Ariel shawl is a knitted triangular wrap designed by Kelly Spenhoff. This intermediate-level project features a two-color colorwork design that creates visual interest through the combination of a main color and contrast color. The shawl is available in two sizes: a small version with a 36.5-inch wingspan and 14.5-inch depth, or a large version measuring 45 inches across with an 18-inch depth. The finished dimensions make this shawl versatile for wearing as a shoulder wrap, neck shawl, or decorative accessory.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several essential shawl construction techniques that create both structure and decorative elements. The pattern incorporates yarn overs (yo), which are fundamental to creating the lacy or textured openwork commonly found in shawl designs. Decreases are used strategically throughout, including slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) for right-leaning decreases, as well as purl two together (p2tog) for left-leaning decreases when working on the wrong side. The pattern also features four-stitch wraps (4-st wrap), an advanced technique that adds textural depth and visual complexity to the finished piece. Additionally, knit into the front and back (kfb) creates increases where needed for shaping.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base structure
• Purl (p) – used to create texture and pattern variation
• Yarn over (yo) – creates decorative holes and lace elements
• Knit two together (k2tog) – right-leaning decrease
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – left-leaning decrease
• Purl two together (p2tog) – decrease on purl side
• Knit into the front and back (kfb) – increase stitch
• Four-stitch wrap (4-st wrap) – advanced textural technique

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Ariel shawl is worked in fingering weight yarn, a fine 4-ply yarn that creates delicate, detailed fabric. The project uses a two-color approach with a main color (MC) and contrast color (CC). For the small size, you will need 415 yards of main color yarn and 75 yards of contrast color yarn. The large size requires 850 yards of main color and 150 yards of contrast color. The sample shawl shown was knit using Knit Picks Stroll Tonal yarn in the colorways Cold Stream (for the main color green) and Blue Violet (for the contrast color purple), demonstrating how the two colors work together to create the finished design.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires US size 6 circular needles measuring 29 inches or longer to accommodate the growing number of stitches as the triangular shawl expands. The pattern also calls for either double-pointed needles (dpn) or a cable needle for working certain stitch techniques. A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends upon completion. The needle size should be adjusted as needed to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to be worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 27 rows over 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in the pattern stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements specified for each size option. The two-size structure allows knitters to choose between a more modest wrap or a larger, more generous shawl based on their preferences and yarn availability.