Artichoke shawl

Artichoke Shawl by Maryna Radzko

What is Being Made

The Artichoke shawl is a triangular lace shawl designed by independent designer Maryna Radzko. This knitted accessory measures approximately 200 x 70 cm (79 x 28 inches) in its sample form, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece. The shawl's dimensions can be customized by adjusting needle size, allowing knitters to create smaller or larger versions based on personal preference.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created using the knitting craft. The Artichoke shawl employs lace knitting techniques to create an open, delicate fabric. Lace knitting involves strategic yarn overs and decreases that form decorative holes and patterns throughout the garment. The design is worked in a way that allows knitters to adjust the final dimensions without altering the pattern itself—simply by changing needle size, you can control how dense or open the finished fabric becomes. This makes the shawl adaptable to different yarn weights and personal gauge preferences.

Stitches and Pattern Elements

While specific stitch names are not detailed in the pattern documentation, the shawl utilizes fundamental lace knitting stitches including yarn overs for creating decorative openwork and decreases for shaping. The pattern is designed to work with a range of gauges, meaning the critical element is achieving a fabric that is neither too dense nor too open—rather than matching a specific stitch count per inch.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Artichoke shawl is designed for laceweight and cobweb weight yarns. The recommended yardage range is approximately 600–1000 meters (660–1100 yards) per 100 grams. The sample shawl was knitted using Fyberspates Scrumptious Lace yarn, which provides 1000 meters (1094 yards) per 100 grams. The sample required 100 grams of yarn total, though yardage needs may vary depending on your chosen needle size and resulting gauge.

Needles and Tools

This project calls for circular needles measuring between US1½ and US6 (2.25–4 mm) in size. The recommended needle length is 40 inches (100 cm) or longer to accommodate the width of the shawl as it grows. The sample shawl was created using US3 (3.25 mm) needles. Since gauge is not critical for this design, you have flexibility in selecting a needle size that produces a fabric you are satisfied with—prioritizing the look and feel of the finished textile over matching a specific gauge measurement.

Difficulty Level

The Artichoke shawl is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with lace patterns and their inherent yarn overs and decreases.