La Toupie

La Toupie Doubleknit Triangular Shawl by Anna Dalvi

Design Overview

La Toupie is a whimsical doubleknit triangular shawl inspired by the French spinning top of the same name. This intermediate-level knitting project features a dynamic design with spinning tops twirling outward from the centre of the shawl, creating a playful and sophisticated finished piece.

What Is Being Made

A triangular shawl constructed using the doubleknit technique, which creates a reversible fabric with distinct pattern definition on both sides. The shawl showcases a central motif with radiating spinning top designs that expand toward the edges, making it an eye-catching accessory suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs doubleknit construction, a technique that produces a thick, reversible fabric by working two layers of stitches simultaneously on a single needle. Doubleknitting allows for intricate colorwork and pattern definition without the bulk of traditional stranded colorwork. The triangular shawl shape requires strategic increases to expand the fabric from the centre outward, creating the spinning top motifs that radiate across the design.

Stitches and Construction

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches adapted for doubleknit construction. Knit and purl stitches are worked in alternating colors to create the spinning top pattern. The triangular shape is achieved through increases positioned to maintain the geometric expansion while keeping the decorative motifs properly proportioned throughout the shawl.

Materials and Yarn Weight

• Yarn Weight: 4 ply fingering weight yarn
• Yardage Required: Approximately 2 skeins of contrasting color fingering weight yarn
• Needles: US 2 [2.75 mm] needles
• Additional Supplies: Large-eyed, blunt needle for weaving in ends

Yarn Fiber Composition

The pattern accommodates various high-quality fingering weight yarns. Sample options include luxury blends such as yarns combining silk and superwash merino, or milk protein fiber blended with superwash merino. These fiber combinations provide excellent stitch definition essential for doubleknit work, while offering softness and drape appropriate for a finished shawl.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more advanced techniques. Doubleknitting requires attention to managing two colors and understanding how stitches interact across both layers, making this project an excellent stepping stone for developing technical proficiency.

Yarn Contrast and Color Options

The design calls for two contrasting colors of fingering weight yarn to achieve the spinning top effect. The color contrast is essential for the pattern to read clearly and create the dynamic visual impact of the twirling motifs. Choosing colors with strong contrast will enhance the three-dimensional appearance of the spinning tops.