Dorothy

Dorothy Shawl by Zsuzsa Kiss

Project Overview

Dorothy is an advanced-level knitted shawl design created by independent designer Zsuzsa Kiss. This downloadable PDF pattern offers three size options to suit different preferences and yarn quantities. The shawl is a versatile accessory that combines elegant construction with sophisticated stitch work, making it an ideal project for experienced knitters seeking a refined finished piece.

Shawl Dimensions

The Dorothy shawl is available in three sizes with the following measurements:

• Size S: 34 ¼ inches wide × 9 inches deep (87 × 23 cm)
• Size M: 46 ¾ inches wide × 10 ½ inches deep (119 × 27 cm)
• Size L: 59 ½ inches wide × 12 ¼ inches deep (151 × 31 cm)

Yarn Requirements and Recommendations

The pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights within the DK, sport, and fingering weight categories, offering flexibility for fiber selection. Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Size S: 180 yards (165 meters)
• Size M: 300 yards (270 meters)
• Size L: 440 yards (400 meters)

The sample shown was knitted using Louisa Harding Amitola yarn, a luxury blend containing 80% wool and 20% silk, which provides both warmth and lustrous drape. This yarn is spun at 273 yards per 100 grams and is available in multiple colorways, with the sample photographed in color 109.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires a US 4 [3.5 mm] circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) in length. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for finishing, two stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a cable needle for executing cable stitches integral to the design.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Dorothy shawl employs advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters. The pattern incorporates several specialized stitches and methods:

• Cable stitches: The design features 2/2 left cable (2/2 LC) construction, which involves slipping stitches to a cable needle, holding them in front of the work, knitting two stitches, then knitting the two stitches from the cable needle. This creates the distinctive twisted rope texture characteristic of cable knit work.
• Decreases: The pattern uses k2tog (knit two together) and k2tog tbl (knit two stitches together through the back loop) decreases to shape the shawl and create stitch definition.
• Slip stitches: Slip 1 stitch (sl1) and the slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl1, k2tog, psso) technique are employed for refined edge treatment and decorative decreasing.
• Yarn overs: Yarn over (yo) increases add lace-like openness and visual interest to the construction.
• Wrap and turn: The W&T (wrap and turn) technique creates short rows within the pattern, allowing for three-dimensional shaping and tailored fit.

Pattern Structure

The pattern provides comprehensive abbreviations and instructions for all techniques. Knitters will work from written instructions that reference right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) designations. The pattern begins with a cast-on (CO) edge and concludes with a bind-off (BO) edge. Stitch markers (pm) are placed strategically to help knitters track pattern repeats and maintain consistency throughout the project.

Difficulty Level

Rated as advanced, the Dorothy shawl is designed for knitters with solid experience in cable work, decreasing techniques, and short-row shaping. The combination of cable stitches, multiple decrease methods, and wrap-and-turn construction requires attention to detail and familiarity with reading complex knitting patterns.