In Waves

In Waves Shawl by Jamie Bennett

What is Being Made

In Waves is a top-down, crescent-shaped shawl designed by Jamie Bennett. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a versatile accessory that measures 65 inches wide by 14 inches deep when worked in the recommended yarn weights. The shawl features a distinctive curved silhouette that works beautifully as a wrap or shoulder piece.

Construction and Design

The shawl begins with a garter-tab cast-on positioned at the top center of the piece. Increases are worked consistently at the beginning and end of each row, creating the characteristic crescent shape that gradually expands as you knit downward. The construction method makes this an ideal project for knitters seeking a straightforward, meditative knitting experience.

A key design feature of In Waves is its reversible aesthetic. The shawl is made up of garter-stitch and ribbing-based stitches, which means it looks equally interesting, though slightly different, on each side. This two-sided appeal adds versatility to the finished garment.

Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch pattern used in this shawl is two-color brioche stitch, which creates a nice rhythmic repetition throughout the piece. This stitch technique is known for its visual interest and texture, making it engaging to work on. The brioche stitch construction lends itself well to relaxed, mindful knitting sessions.

Additional techniques employed in this pattern include:

• Garter tab cast-on for the top edge
• Knit and purl stitches as foundational elements
• Yarn-overs for creating openwork or decorative increases
• Knit two together for shaping decreases
• Pick-up and knit for joining sections or adding edges

The combination of these techniques creates a shawl that is suitable for beginner-level knitters while still offering visual complexity and interest.

Yarns and Materials

The In Waves pattern is designed to work across multiple yarn weights, accommodating DK, sport, and worsted weight yarns. This flexibility allows knitters to customize their finished shawl based on available materials and desired drape.

The recommended yarn specifications for the photographed version include:

• Main Color (MC): Berroco Ultra Alpaca in worsted weight, Blueberry Mix colorway, requiring 2 skeins
• Contrast Color A (CCA): Malabrigo Arroyo in sport weight, Archangel colorway, requiring 1 skein
• Contrast Color B (CCB): Malabrigo Arroyo in sport weight, Borraja colorway, requiring 1 skein

Needles and Notions

This pattern calls for US 8 (5mm) needles or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge of 4 stitches per inch in garter stitch using the main color yarn. A single locking stitch marker is optional but can be helpful for tracking pattern repeats or marking important sections during construction.

The gauge measurement is taken in garter stitch using the main color yarn, ensuring accurate sizing when the finished shawl is complete.