The Happier Side of Goodbye

The Happier Side of Goodbye Knit Shawl by yellowcosmo

What Is Being Made

The Happier Side of Goodbye is a triangular knit shawl designed by Connie Peng of yellowcosmo designs. This one-size shawl measures 82 inches wide by 36 inches tall (208 cm by 91 cm), making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping. The shawl features a two-color construction with a main body in one color and a contrasting lace border, creating visual interest and dimension in the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This shawl employs a sideways construction method, meaning the piece is knitted from one end to the other rather than from the top down or bottom up. This approach allows for easier stitch increases and creates a unique fabric flow. The pattern uses a systematic increase sequence to build the triangular shape: after initial setup rows, the knitter increases 3 stitches every 4 rows, with a single stitch increased on the first right-side row and 2 stitches increased on the second right-side row. This graduated increase method ensures an even, balanced triangle.

The shawl incorporates stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. The main body features simple textured stitches worked in the primary yarn color, adding subtle visual interest without overwhelming complexity. A lace border motif worked in a contrasting color provides an elegant finishing edge and demonstrates intermediate-level lace-knitting skills.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined into structured sequences:

• Stockinette stitch forms the foundation of the main shawl body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Simple textured stitches in the body section add dimension while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters
• Lace border motif introduces openwork patterning in the contrasting color, requiring knowledge of yarn-over increases and decreases to create the characteristic holes and eyelets of lace knitting

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for fingering-weight yarn, though the product attributes list the yarn weight as 4-ply, which aligns with fingering-weight classifications. The sample shawl was knitted using Malabrigo Mechita, a 100% Merino Superwash yarn that offers softness, elasticity, and easy care through machine washing.

Yarn requirements are divided into two colors:

• Yarn A (Lotus): 420 yards / 384 meters for the main body
• Yarn B (Jupiter): 225 yards / 205 meters for the lace border

A US #6 / 4 mm circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) or longer is required. The longer needle length accommodates the increasing number of stitches as the shawl grows. Knitters should adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches by 26 rows over 4 inches by 4 inches (10 cm by 10 cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions. Blocking is a critical finishing step that sets the stitches, evens the fabric, and allows the lace border to fully open and display its pattern definition.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace knitting and shawl construction. The sideways building method and systematic increases are straightforward, while the lace border motif requires familiarity with yarn-overs, decreases, and reading lace charts or written instructions.