The Poet Shawl

The Poet Shawl by Therese Chynoweth

What Is Being Made

The Poet Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Therese Chynoweth. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished triangular shawl measuring 65 inches [165 cm] in length with a center depth of 27 inches [68.5 cm], making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a wrap.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

This shawl is worked in sock or fingering weight yarn, classified as Super Fine #1 weight. The pattern calls for two yarn colors:

• Main Color (MC): 421 yards [385 m] of sock/fingering weight yarn
• Contrast Color (CC): 62 yards [57 m] of sock/fingering weight yarn

The original design showcases Happy Hands Hand Dyed Yarns SW Merino/Tencel in the color Cucumber Slice for the main color, which yields 450 yards [411 m] per 4 oz [113.5 g] hank. The contrast color is Knit One Crochet Too Kettle Tweed in Spruce Moss #4569, a blend of 60% merino wool, 20% baby llama, 10% bamboo, and 10% Donegal, providing 437 yards [400 m] per 3½ oz [100 g] hank. Please note that the original Happy Hands yarn has been discontinued; knitters should substitute another yarn with similar characteristics and matching gauge.

Yarn Flexibility and Alternatives

The Poet Shawl pattern offers flexibility for different yarn preferences:

• Single Color Option: The shawl may be worked entirely in one color, requiring approximately 483 yards [442 m] of the same yarn
• Two-Color Variation: Knitters can use the main color through the completion of Chart B, then transition to the contrasting color for the remainder of the shawl, requiring approximately 316 yards [289 m] of the main color and 16 yards of the contrast color

Knitting Techniques and Stitch Work

As an intermediate-level pattern, The Poet Shawl incorporates charted knitting instructions, requiring knitters to read and follow stitch charts. The pattern uses Chart A and Chart B as structural components, indicating that the shawl is constructed using a chart-based design system common in shawl patterns. This approach allows for precise stitch placement and creates the geometric shaping necessary for the triangular silhouette.

The use of fingering weight yarn combined with charted patterns suggests that the shawl features intricate stitch work, likely including increases and decreases that create the characteristic triangular shape. Intermediate knitters should be comfortable reading knitting charts and managing yarn overs and decreases to successfully complete this design.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

The Poet Shawl is rated at intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have progressed beyond basic stockinette stitch projects and are ready to tackle charted patterns and more complex shaping techniques. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, allowing immediate access to the full instructions and charts.