Take Time Shawl

Take Time Shawl by Sara Tomlinson Designs

What Is Being Made

The Take Time Shawl is a triangular knitted shawl designed by Sara Tomlinson Designs. This finished piece measures 32 inches deep by 66 inches wide when blocked, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is constructed using a three-color colorwork design that creates visual interest and complexity throughout the piece.

Difficulty Level and Knitter Experience

This pattern is rated for moderate to experienced knitters. The advanced difficulty classification reflects the colorwork techniques and stitch complexity required to complete this project successfully. Knitters should have solid foundational skills before attempting this design.

Yarn and Materials

The Take Time Shawl uses 4-ply sock yarn in three coordinating colors. The total yardage requirements are:

• Colour A: 765 meters / 836 yards
• Colour B: 340 meters / 371 yards
• Colour C: 255 meters / 278 yards

The 4-ply weight yarn creates a lightweight, drapable fabric ideal for shawls. The approximate yardage per 100 grams is 400 meters, providing guidance for yarn substitution if needed.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires 2.25mm circular needles (or the size necessary to obtain the correct gauge). Additional notions include a darning needle for weaving in ends and bulb-style stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping throughout the construction.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 30 stitches by 37 rows over 4 inches when blocked. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 32 inches deep by 66 inches wide. Knitters should always swatch and block their gauge swatch before beginning the main project.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Take Time Shawl incorporates several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques. The pattern uses yarn overs (yo) for lace elements and shaping, creating openwork sections that add elegance and reduce overall weight. Decreases are worked using methods including ssk (slip, slip, knit), k2tog (knit two together), and sssk (slip, slip, slip, knit) to create directional shaping and stitch definition.

The shawl features stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic knitted surface. Knit through back loop (ktbl) and purl through back loop (ptbl) stitches are used to create twisted stitches that add texture and visual interest. The slip stitch (sl1) technique is employed for edge finishing and pattern alignment.

The three-color construction requires managing multiple yarn colors throughout the knitting process, making this a colorwork project that demands attention to color changes and pattern placement. Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and shaping sections, particularly important in a triangular shawl where increases and decreases occur at specific intervals.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized into sections with numbered rows that build upon each other. Knitters follow row-by-row instructions that incorporate the various stitches and techniques listed above, with pattern repeats (rpt) that establish the rhythm and design of the shawl. The use of markers and clear abbreviations guides knitters through each section systematically.