Epistrophy Shawl in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran - A397 - Downloadable PDF

Epistrophy Shawl in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran – Pattern Summary (A397)

The Epistrophy Shawl is a beautifully striped, large-format knitted shawl designed by Shannon Dunbabin and published by Cascade Yarns® as pattern A397. This free downloadable PDF pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level and produces a single adult-sized accessory with impressive finished dimensions of 88 inches wingspan by 20 inches deep — making it a generously sized wrap suitable for year-round wear.

What Is Being Made

The Epistrophy Shawl is a wide, crescent-style knitted shawl worked in a striking four-color striped arrangement. Its generous wingspan and depth make it versatile enough to wear as a traditional shawl, a wrap, or even a light shoulder covering. The rhythmic color sequencing gives the finished piece a sophisticated, jazz-inspired aesthetic — fitting for its musically evocative name.

Materials Used

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns® 220 Superwash® Aran, 100% Superwash Merino Wool, 100 g (3.5 oz) / 150 yards (137.5 m) per skein
• Color A: 1 skein in color #330 Shortbread
• Color B: 2 skeins in color #331 Soft Rose
• Color C: 1 skein in color #332 Slate Rose
• Color D: 2 skeins in color #333 Forged Iron
• Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Yarn needle for finishing

The 220 Superwash® Aran yarn is a popular choice for accessories because its Superwash Merino Wool construction offers softness against the skin, excellent stitch definition, and the practical benefit of machine washability. The aran weight creates a fabric with satisfying drape and warmth without excessive bulk, ideal for a shawl of this scale.

Techniques Used

• Striped color work: The pattern sequences four colors — Shortbread, Soft Rose, Slate Rose, and Forged Iron — in a carefully choreographed series of single and double row repeats. Knitters carry and switch yarns throughout, creating a gradient-like striped effect that transitions through warm neutrals and dusty roses into deeper, moodier tones.
• Shaping through yarn overs and decreases: The shawl is shaped using yarn overs (YO) and K2tog (knit two together) decreases, which simultaneously add stitches, create directional shaping, and introduce a subtle lace-like quality to the fabric edge.
• Garter stitch construction: The body of the shawl is worked primarily in garter stitch, meaning both right-side and wrong-side rows are knitted. Garter stitch produces a squishy, reversible fabric with natural elasticity and a ridged texture that complements the color striping beautifully.
• Stitch count progression: The pattern is structured around deliberate stitch count milestones — growing from a cast-on of 3 stitches through key markers such as 40, 60, 80, and 100 stitches — guiding the knitter through the shawl's expanding shape in a logical, manageable sequence.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) — the foundational stitch used throughout
• Purl — listed in the abbreviations, referenced for finishing or transitional rows
• Yarn Over (YO) — used to increase stitches and add openwork detail
• K2tog (Knit Two Together) — a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Garter stitch — achieved