Winging It

Winging It Shawl by Ivy Lucille Designs

Project Overview

Winging It is an intermediate-level knitted crescent shawl designed by Ivy Lucille Designs. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 80 inches wide by 28 inches deep, making it an elegant accessory piece suitable for layering or draping. The shawl's distinctive asymmetrical crescent shape results from intentional gauge variations between different stitch patterns worked across the design.

Construction and Design Technique

The shawl employs a clever combination of knitting techniques to achieve its curved silhouette. The design features garter stitch worked alongside lace patterns, with the gauge difference between these two stitch types creating the natural shaping. The lace side of the shawl incorporates elongated stitches that contribute to the crescent curve, allowing the shawl to drape beautifully without requiring complex decreases or shaping calculations.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter stitch for structural sections
• Lace patterns for openwork detail and shaping
• Elongated stitches created by wrapping the needle twice with working yarn
• Circular needle construction for managing stitch counts

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for 4-ply weight yarn in a blend of luxury fibers. The design uses multiple coordinating yarns to create visual interest:

• Cascade Yarns Heritage (75% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon; 438 yards per 100g): Navy 5623 and Dusky Orchid 5705, 1 skein each
• Dyed By Darrell Sparkle Sock (70% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon, 5% Sparkle; 463 yards per 100g): 1 skein for added shimmer
• Malabrigo Malabrigo Sock (100% Superwash Merino; 440 yards per 100g): Sabiduria SW136, 1 skein

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires US 4 (3.5mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and a locking stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge

The target gauge is 17 stitches and 46 rows over 4 inches when worked in garter stitch and measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and proper shawl proportions.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, Winging It assumes knitters are comfortable with circular needle techniques, reading stitch patterns, and managing multiple yarn colors or textures. The elongated stitch technique requires attention to detail but is explained in the pattern instructions, making it accessible to experienced knitters ready to expand their technical skills.