K855-Novato Shawl

K855 – Novato Shawl by Nazanin Fard

What Is Being Made

The Novato Shawl is an advanced-level triangular shawl designed for experienced knitters. Named after Nazanin Fard's hometown of Novato in Northern California, this shawl features a generous wingspan of 60 inches with a center back length of 30 inches, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders. The shawl is worked from the center back neck downward to the edges, creating a classic top-down construction that allows for customizable sizing.

Techniques and Construction

This shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques characteristic of lace shawl design. The pattern utilizes yarn overs (yo) as a primary shaping and decorative element, creating openwork throughout the design. The construction method involves stitch markers placed strategically to define pattern repeats, with instructions repeated between specific marker positions to maintain consistent patterning across the width of the shawl. The shawl begins with a small cast-on of 7 stitches and expands through increases created by yarn overs, allowing the triangular shape to develop naturally as rows progress. The pattern is worked over 104 rows using charted instructions, with the "Grassy fields" chart providing the visual roadmap for stitch placement and yarn over positioning.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: Used for the initial 2 foundation rows to create a stable edge
• Stockinette stitch: The base fabric structure used throughout the shawl
• Yarn overs (yo): Creates the lace pattern and increases for shaping
• Knit stitches (k): Primary stitch for fabric construction
• Purl stitches (p): Used on wrong-side rows
• Slip marker (SM): Technique for moving stitch markers between needles without disrupting pattern flow

Materials and Tools

The Novato Shawl requires 860 yards (786 meters) of lace weight yarn, a delicate yarn category ideal for creating intricate lace patterns with excellent drape. The sample project was worked using Cashsilk Lace, a luxury blend of 50% cashmere and 50% silk, which provides both softness and sheen. This yarn comes in 430-yard (395-meter) balls with a weight of 50 grams per ball; the sample used 2 balls in the Denim colorway #171113.

Construction requires 40-inch circular knitting needles in US size 3 (3.25 mm), which accommodate the expanding stitch count as the shawl grows from the center outward. Circular needles are essential for managing the increasing number of stitches without causing strain on the working yarn. Stitch markers are necessary tools for tracking pattern repeats and maintaining accuracy throughout the 104-row charted pattern.

Gauge and Finishing

The stitch gauge for this pattern is 32 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when worked with US size 3 needles, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is critical for this advanced project to ensure the finished shawl reaches the specified measurements of 60-inch wingspan and 30-inch center back length. Blocking is an essential finishing step that sets the lace pattern and allows the yarn to relax into its final shape and drape.