Step to It Shawl

Step To It Shawl by Afifa Knits Designs

Project Overview

The Step To It Shawl is a stunning knitted wrap designed by Afifa Knits Designs that celebrates stepped edges, striping, and lace in one versatile piece. This shawl is knitted from the bottom up using two contrasting colors of fingering weight yarn, creating a dynamic visual effect through alternating striped and lace sections. With a finished wingspan of approximately 71 inches and a depth of 35 inches, this shawl is substantial enough to wear as a wrap over evening wear or casually styled with jeans on chilly evenings.

Yarn and Materials

This project requires approximately 800 yards of fingering weight yarn after blocking, divided equally between two colors at 400 yards each. The sample shown uses YarnLoveYarn in two colorways: Juliet (C1) and Vespa (C2), with Lagoon as an additional color option. The yarn composition is 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon, providing both softness and durability. You will need US size 6 (4.0mm) knitting needles and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The gauge for this project is 28 stitches by 32 rows measured over 4 inches in garter stitch on US size 6 needles. The finished shawl measures approximately 71 inches in wingspan and 35 inches in depth after blocking.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Step To It Shawl employs several key knitting techniques that create its distinctive character. The construction method begins with a small cast-on of 4 stitches at the beginning of rows, which are increased progressively to build the shawl shape from the bottom up. This stepped edge construction is a signature element of the design.

• Garter Stitch: Forms the foundation of the shawl structure and creates a textured, reversible fabric
• Lace Sections: Incorporate yarn overs (yo) and knit two together decreases (k2tog) to create openwork patterns that contrast with solid striped sections
• Striping: Achieved by alternating between two contrasting yarn colors (C1 and C2) throughout the piece
• Stepped Edges: Created by casting on stitches at the beginning of rows, building the shawl incrementally and producing the distinctive stepped perimeter
• Slip Stitch Edge: Uses slip one with yarn in front (sl1wyif) to create a neat, finished edge

The pattern repeats a 4-row sequence, which is worked multiple times to achieve the desired dimensions. The combination of striped and lace sections creates visual interest while the garter stitch base provides structure and stability to the finished piece.

Difficulty Level

This shawl is rated as a beginner-friendly project, making it accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. While the design features lace elements and color work, the straightforward bottom-up construction and repeating pattern sequences make it manageable for those developing their skills.