Leafy Greens

Leafy Greens Knitted Shawl by Shannon Squire

What is Being Made

Leafy Greens is a downloadable knitting pattern for a shawl designed by Shannon Squire. This intermediate-level knitted shawl features leafy stitch work and is available in two yarn weight options to suit different preferences and finished sizes.

Yarn Options and Materials

The Leafy Greens shawl pattern is offered in two distinct yarn weight versions, each with specific yardage and material requirements:

• Fingering-Weight Version: Requires approximately 580 yards of fingering-weight yarn. The designer used Dream in Color Smooshy, which is 100% merino wool with 450 yards per 113g skein. The colorway featured is Goodluck Jade.
• Sport-Weight Version: Requires approximately 600 yards of sport-weight yarn. The designer used Blue Moon Fiber Arts BFL Sport, which is 100% bfl (Blue-Faced Leicester) with 661 yards per 226g skein. The colorway featured is Mossay.

Needles and Notions

Both versions of the Leafy Greens pattern require a circular needle measuring 24 inches or longer. The fingering-weight version uses US4/3.5mm needles, while the sport-weight version uses US5/3.75mm needles. Knitters should select the needle size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions required for both versions include stitch markers and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. The fingering-weight version works to a gauge of 24 stitches over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch. The sport-weight version has a gauge of 20 stitches over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch. Knitters should swatch and adjust needle sizes as needed to match these gauges.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Leafy Greens shawl is an intermediate-level project that combines fundamental and decorative knitting techniques. The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as a foundational element, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric base for the shawl. The design features leafy stitch work, which typically involves increases, decreases, and yarn overs to create organic leaf-shaped motifs and textural interest throughout the piece.

Working with circular needles in the round or flat, depending on the shawl construction, allows for the creation of a larger fabric without seaming. The use of stitch markers helps knitters track pattern repeats and maintain consistency across the leafy elements. This intermediate difficulty level assumes knitters are comfortable with basic increases and decreases, reading charts or written instructions, and managing multiple stitches on circular needles.

Pattern Details

The Leafy Greens pattern is a downloadable PDF designed for personal use only. This pattern was created by Shannon Squire Designs in 2014 and is protected by copyright. The design showcases the versatility of the shawl across different yarn weights, allowing knitters to choose based on their preferred yarn type and desired finished dimensions.