Deco Angel Shawl

Deco Angel Shawl by Julia Decker

What Is Being Made

The Deco Angel Shawl is a symmetrical triangular shawl designed by Julia Decker of Deunyn Knits Designs. Inspired by Art Deco aesthetics, this shawl features flattering angular lines that evoke the wings of an angel. The design originated from a hand-drawn sketch and was developed to translate those artistic lines into a knitted textile. The shawl is available in two finished sizes: Small with a wingspan of 62 inches (158 cm) and center depth of 26 inches (66 cm), or Large with a wingspan of 77 inches (196 cm) and center depth of 32 inches (81 cm).

Construction Method

The Deco Angel Shawl is worked from the center-top downward in a top-down construction method. This approach allows knitters to start at the peak of the triangle and expand outward, creating the characteristic triangular silhouette. The symmetrical design ensures balanced proportions throughout the finished piece.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This advanced-level shawl employs a sophisticated combination of stitch techniques to achieve its distinctive patterning:

• Two-Color Brioche Stitch: A textured stitch technique that creates dimensional fabric through yarn-over manipulations and slipped stitches, worked alternately with two different yarn colors to build the pattern
• Two-Color Garter Stitch: The fundamental garter stitch (knit every row) executed with alternating yarn colors to create color blocking and geometric visual effects

The interplay between brioche stitch and garter stitch creates the striking linear patterns that define the Art Deco aesthetic of the design. The two-color work adds complexity and visual interest while maintaining the clean, geometric lines central to the shawl's appeal.

Yarn and Materials

The Deco Angel Shawl is designed for DK weight yarn in two contrasting colors. Yardage requirements depend on size: the Small version requires 320 yards (292 meters) per color, while the Large version requires 462 yards (422 meters) per color.

The design sample was created using premium DK weight yarns. The Small sample utilized Pink Squirrel DK (231 yards/211 meters per 100g, composed of 65% Superwash Merino, 20% Silk, and 15% Yak) in the London Blue Topaz colorway for the light color and Amber colorway for the dark color. The Large sample was made with Baah Sonoma DK (234 yards/214 meters per 100g, 100% Superwash Merino), demonstrating the versatility of the pattern with different yarn bases.

Skill Level

This shawl is classified as an advanced knitting project. The combination of brioche stitch and two-color garter stitch work, along with the top-down construction and color management required, makes this pattern suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with multi-color techniques and specialized stitch methods.