Winterberry

Winterberry Triangular Shawl by Crystal Hiatt

What Is Being Made

Winterberry is a top-down triangular shawl designed for knitters seeking a lightweight, elegant accessory. The shawl grows from a center point outward, expanding with each right-side row to create a classic triangular silhouette. The finished dimensions are approximately 27 inches deep by 60 inches wide (68.5 cm x 152 cm), making it a versatile wrap suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level shawl employs a top-down construction method, beginning at the center and increasing stitches strategically on right-side rows to achieve the triangular shape. The pattern combines two primary stitch techniques to create visual interest and texture. Garter stitch sections provide structure and a soothing, ridged appearance, while lace stitches add delicate openwork and visual lightness to the finished piece. The shawl concludes with a decorative lace border and a picot chain bind-off, which creates both an ornamental edge detail and a stretchy, flexible bind-off that prevents the shawl from curling.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Forms the foundational texture and structural elements throughout the shawl
• Lace Stitches: Create openwork sections that contribute to the lightweight quality and decorative appeal
• Picot Chain Bind-Off: Provides a decorative, stretchy edge finish

Pattern Format and Instructions

The Winterberry pattern is provided in a downloadable PDF format and includes both written instructions and charted lace sections, allowing knitters to follow their preferred method. This dual-format approach accommodates different learning styles and reading preferences.

Yarn and Materials

Winterberry is designed for fingering weight yarn (3-ply and 4-ply options) and requires approximately 725 yards or 663 meters of yarn. The sample was knit using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, a superwash merino wool yarn (100% wool, 420 yards per 384 meters) in the colorway Coquette Deux. While gauge is not considered crucial for this project, the recommended gauge is 34 stitches by 48 rows (24 ridges) over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch, knit flat and blocked. Actual finished dimensions may vary depending on the specific yarn weight and fiber content used.

Difficulty Level

Winterberry is rated as an adventurous intermediate project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to work with lace stitches and charted sections while enjoying a relatively straightforward construction method.