Dragon's Tail

Dragon's Tail Shawl by Kari Verge

What is Being Made

Dragon's Tail is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Kari Verge. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a triangular or crescent-shaped shawl featuring a diamond stitch pattern as a central design element. The finished shawl uses approximately 555 yards of fingering-weight yarn, making it an elegant accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Knitting Techniques Used

This shawl employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques that build on core skills. The pattern utilizes provisional cast-on, which allows stitches to be picked up later for seamless construction. The shawlette is worked using the pick-up-and-knit method, where stitches are picked up along the edges of previously knitted sections to expand the fabric. The design incorporates 90-degree turns during construction, creating the shawl's distinctive shape.

An important technique note from the designer: do not slip the first stitch of rows. Instead, always knit this stitch, as slipping creates an edge that becomes too tight during blocking. While the edge may appear uneven during the knitting process, proper blocking will even out the appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Dragon's Tail features a diamond pattern as its primary design element. The stitch pattern incorporates yarn overs (yo) and slip stitches (sl1) to create the decorative diamond motif. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic background for the patterned sections. The pattern includes garter stitch borders (knit stitches on both sides) to frame the design sections and create definition.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn for Dragon's Tail is Art-By-Ana SE - Sock Garden Party Cake in fingering weight, requiring 555 yards total. This yarn can be sourced from the designer's shop on Etsy (ArtByAna). The pattern calls for 3.5mm/US 4 circular needles measuring 24 inches or longer to accommodate the expanding stitches as the shawl grows.

Additional notions required include:

• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats
• Locking stitch markers for securing provisional stitches
• Scissors for cutting yarn
• Darning needle for weaving in ends
• Tape measure for checking gauge and finished dimensions

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this design, as it ensures the diamond pattern displays correctly and the finished shawl reaches its intended dimensions. Knitters should swatch before beginning and adjust needle size if necessary to match the specified gauge.

Pattern design and photography copyright Kari Verge, Knit Pug Designs. For personal use only.