Rhonda 7018

Rhonda Shawl by Sue Whiting Designs

Project Overview

Rhonda is an intermediate-level knitted shawl design by Sue Whiting Designs, offered as a downloadable PDF pattern. This triangular shawl measures approximately 164 cm (64½ inches) wide and 82 cm (32¼ inches) deep, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory.

What Is Being Made

The Rhonda shawl is a top-down triangular design worked in worsted-weight yarn. The shawl features a structured construction that begins from a single cast-on stitch and expands outward through strategic yarn-over increases and decrease sequences, creating an elegant silhouette with defined stitch patterns throughout.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Berroco Linus in worsted weight, requiring 4 x 50g balls (200g total). The photographed sample is worked in colorway Lorikeet 6820.

Needles: The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate gauge changes and construction phases:

• 4 mm (US 6 / UK no 8) straight needles
• 5 mm (US 8 / UK no 6) straight needles
• 4 mm (US 6 / UK no 8) circular needle
• 5 mm (US 8 / UK no 6) circular needle

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Rhonda employs intermediate-level knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters. The shawl construction relies on precise stitch manipulation and strategic increases to achieve its triangular shape and decorative stitch patterns.

Key Techniques:

• Yarn-overs (yfwd): Used extensively throughout the pattern to create lace elements and strategic increases that expand the shawl width
• Slip-stitch decreases: Slip 2 stitches together knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over (sL2togK, K1, p2sso) creates decorative left-leaning decreases
• Standard decreases: Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit 2 together (K2tog) for shaping
• Stockinette stitch (st st): Forms the base fabric structure
• Garter stitch: Used in edge stitches for stability and definition

Stitch Pattern Construction: The pattern begins with a single cast-on stitch and uses a combination of yarn-overs and decreases arranged in repeating sequences. Early rows establish the foundation (rows 1–3 increase from 1 to 5 stitches), with subsequent rows building complexity through patterned increases. Row 7 introduces the first decrease sequences, while rows 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 continue expanding the stitch count through strategic yarn-overs and marked stitch repeats, reaching 25 stitches by row 15 and 17 stitches by row 17.

Gauge and Tension

Proper tension is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern specifies a stockinette stitch tension of 20 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm (approximately 4 inches) using 5 mm (US 8) needles. Knitters should swatch and check tension before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with solid foundational skills who are comfortable with yarn-overs, various decrease techniques, and reading complex stitch patterns. The top-down construction and repetitive pattern sequences make it manageable for advancing knitters seeking to develop their lace and shaping skills.