Stepping Up HOKC MKAL Shawl

Stepping Up MKAL Shawl by Carol McCarthy

What Is Being Made

The Stepping Up MKAL Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Carol McCarthy. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a generous triangular shawl with asymmetrical dimensions, measuring 61 inches across the top edge, 81 inches along the left edge, 73 inches along the right edge, and 21 inches deep after blocking. The finished shawl is worked in sport-weight yarn using two coordinating colors to create visual interest and depth in the finished piece.

Techniques Used

This shawl pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The construction involves working with circular knitting needles to shape the triangular silhouette. The pattern requires understanding of yarn color changes and working with contrasting colors to build the design. Blocking is an essential finishing technique for this project, as the final measurements are achieved after the shawl has been blocked to shape and size.

Stitches Used

The gauge specification references stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch), which is the primary stitch structure used throughout this shawl. The pattern includes standard knitting abbreviations and terminology such as bind off techniques for finishing edges. The pattern documentation indicates the use of stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Approximately 2 skeins of Berroco Quechua in color #1345 (main color) and approximately 3 skeins of Berroco Quechua in color #1306 (contrasting color). Berroco Quechua is composed of 60% Extrafine Merino Wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 20% Yak, with each skein containing 164 yards and weighing 1.75 ounces. This sport-weight yarn blend provides softness, warmth, and elasticity ideal for shawl construction.
• Needles: Approximately 24 inches of US Size 6 (4.0mm) circular knitting needles for working the shawl
• Notions: One stitch marker for tracking pattern sections and a yarn needle or large embroidery needle for weaving in ends
• Gauge: 5.5 stitches and 7.5 rows per 1 inch in stockinette stitch on flat gauge. Knitters are advised to work a gauge swatch to ensure they have sufficient yarn yardage for the project.

Pattern Details

This is a downloadable PDF pattern created by independent designer Carol McCarthy, also known professionally as Carol Nina Knits. The pattern was originally published in 2019 and is available through multiple platforms including Ravelry.com and LovKnitting.com. The intermediate difficulty level makes this shawl suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with pattern instructions, shaping, and color work.