SlipStream Shawl

SlipStream Shawl by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton

What Is Being Made

The SlipStream Shawl is a lightweight, elongated wrap designed for versatile layering. With finished dimensions of approximately 11.5 inches wide by 62 inches long, this shawl offers generous coverage while maintaining a refined, elegant silhouette suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Knitting Techniques

This design employs the distinctive Slip Stream stitch pattern, a textured knitting technique that creates visual interest through strategic yarn manipulation. The pattern utilizes slipped stitches worked purlwise—a foundational knitting technique where stitches are moved from one needle to another without being worked. Slipped stitches are executed with yarn behind work (wyb) on right-side rows and with yarn at front of work (wyf) on wrong-side rows, creating a refined surface texture and subtle dimensional effects.

The Slip Stream stitch pattern operates on a multiple of 3 plus 1, making it highly adaptable to various yarn weights and gauges. The designer explicitly encourages experimentation with different yarns, colors, and gauges from your personal stash, making this pattern accessible for creative customization and stash-busting projects.

Stitches Used

• Slip stitches (purlwise) — the primary decorative element
• Knit stitches — worked in groups of two between slipped stitches
• Yarn-over manipulation — controlled through wyb and wyf positioning

Yarn and Materials

The SlipStream Shawl is designed to showcase beautiful variegated and solid yarns through its textured stitch pattern. The recommended yarn specifications include:

• Yarn A: One 200-gram ball of Noro Ito in colorway #27, providing 437 yards
• Yarn B: One 100-gram ball of Noro Silk Garden Sock Solo in colorway #63, providing 328 yards
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to achieve gauge
• Yarn weights: DK and worsted weights are suitable for this pattern
• Gauge: Approximately 18 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Slip Stream stitch pattern

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner-friendly project, the SlipStream Shawl introduces knitters to slipped-stitch techniques and gauge concepts without overwhelming complexity. The repetitive nature of the Slip Stream pattern makes it ideal for developing consistent tension and understanding how yarn manipulation creates texture.

Design Notes

This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton provides complete finishing instructions, including weaving in all ends for a polished final product. The pattern's flexibility in yarn selection and gauge makes it an excellent vehicle for personal expression and experimentation within the knitting community.