Amun-Ra

Amun-Ra Shawl by Kulabra Designs

What is Being Made

Amun-Ra is a semicircular knitted shawl designed by Natalia Moreva for Kulabra Designs. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a large, elegant wrap featuring colorwork in three distinct yarn colors. The finished shawl measures approximately 160 cm wide by 60 cm tall before blocking, with dimensions expanding to roughly 170 cm by 70 cm after blocking, depending on the specific yarns used and blocking technique applied.

Construction Techniques

The Amun-Ra shawl employs a distinctive two-stage construction method that combines geometric shaping with decorative edging. The main body of the shawl is worked sideways in individual wedges, creating the semicircular silhouette. This wedge-based approach allows for flexibility in the final size—the pattern specifies 15 wedges for the semicircular shape shown, but knitters can easily add additional wedges to create a larger wrap if desired.

After completing the main wedge sections, stitches are picked up from the finished edges to create the decorative trim. The trim consists of two rows of motifs worked continuously, followed by an outline row that frames the entire piece. This multi-stage approach combines structural shaping with ornamental detailing.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the main body is garter stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric ideal for shawls. Garter stitch is formed by knitting every row, producing horizontal ridges that are visually interesting from both sides. The gauge for this project is approximately 28 rows by 20 stitches over 10 cm in garter stitch when measured on an unblocked swatch. The trim incorporates motif patterns worked in two separate rows, adding visual interest and complexity to the finished edges.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Amun-Ra is worked in fingering-weight yarn across three coordinating colors:

• Color A: 120g/500m (shown in light blue)
• Color B: 100g/400m (shown in dark blue)
• Color C: 35g/150m (shown in yellow)

The total yardage required is approximately 1,050 meters. The three-color palette creates visual depth and interest, with the smaller quantity of Color C used as an accent throughout the design.

Tools and Notions

This project requires circular needles in US size 6 (4mm) and an optional stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats. Circular needles are ideal for this sideways-worked shawl construction, allowing the knitter to comfortably manage the increasing number of stitches as wedges are added.

Skill Level and Blocking

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Amun-Ra assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques and the ability to work from written pattern instructions. The shawl benefits significantly from blocking, which helps even out the garter stitch texture and allows the fabric to expand into its intended dimensions. Blocking expansion varies based on fiber content and elasticity—the pattern notes approximately 10 cm growth in each direction from the unblocked measurements, though actual results will depend on the specific yarns selected and blocking method used.