Summer Dunes

Summer Dunes Knitted Shawl by Laura Aylor

Project Overview

Summer Dunes is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Laura Aylor and published by Fogbound Knits. This triangular shawl showcases the visual impact of short row striping combined with variegated and solid yarns. The finished shawl measures approximately 71 inches across and 16 inches deep, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or draping.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a triangular shawl worked from the top down using short row techniques. The design strategically pairs a solid contrasting yarn with a variegated yarn to create striking horizontal stripes. The short-row construction allows the shawlette to lay flat and creates visual interest without complex stitch patterns, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to develop their technical skills while achieving professional-looking results.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Short rows: The primary technique that creates the distinctive striped effect. Short rows allow you to work back and forth across only a portion of your stitches, building the shawl's triangular shape while establishing the color pattern.
• Knitting backwards: The pattern notes that mastering this technique makes the project more rhythmic and efficient, though it is not strictly required.
• Long-tail cast-on: Used to begin the shawl with a secure, flexible edge.
• Picking up stitches: Stitches are picked up along slipped stitch edges, a technique that creates clean transitions between sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

Garter stitch is the sole stitch pattern used throughout Summer Dunes. Garter stitch—created by knitting every row—is ideal for this project because it lies flat when worked in short-row sections, eliminating the curl that stockinette stitch would produce. The simplicity of garter stitch allows the color work and shaping to be the focal points of the design.

Yarn and Materials

Summer Dunes requires approximately 1200 yards of fingering weight yarn total. The pattern specifies 840 yards of a solid yarn (referred to as C1 in the sample) and 360 yards of a variegated yarn (C2). This two-color approach creates the visual contrast that makes the short-row stripes pop. The yarn weight is listed as 4-ply fingering weight, which produces a delicate, drapey fabric ideal for a summer shawl.

Needles required are US 5/3.75 mm, sized to achieve a gauge of 20 stitches over 4 inches in lightly blocked garter stitch. The pattern recommends using a circular needle rather than straight needles due to the large number of stitches involved. Additional materials include 25 stitch markers to track pattern sections and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches in 4 inches of lightly blocked garter stitch. While gauge is noted as not critical to the success of the project, variations in gauge will affect both the finished dimensions and the total yardage required. Blocking is recommended to help the garter stitch sections lay flat and to achieve the stated finished measurements.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, Summer Dunes is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to develop skills in short-row shaping and stitch pickup. The rhythmic nature of the short-row sections makes this an engaging project that builds confidence with advanced techniques while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.