Atalanta sideways

Atalanta Sideways Shawl by Åsa Tricosa

What Is Being Made

Atalanta is a versatile sideways knitted shawl designed by independent designer Åsa Tricosa. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a triangular wrap that can be customized to multiple finished sizes, ranging from a compact 1-skein shawlette measuring approximately 175cm x 33cm (68" x 13") to a generous wrap measuring approximately 225cm x 45cm (88" x 18"). The sideways construction method allows knitters to work the entire shawl in one continuous piece, from one tip to the other, providing flexibility in the final dimensions based on available yarn and personal preference.

Construction and Techniques

Atalanta employs a distinctive sideways knitting approach that begins with a knitted picot strip. From this foundation, the shawl is worked continuously in one piece with borders and edging integrated throughout the knitting process rather than added afterward. This method of construction simplifies finishing and creates a cohesive, professional appearance.

The design combines two primary knitting techniques to create visual interest and showcase hand-dyed yarns effectively. Plain stocking stitch sections provide solid fabric areas that allow variegated and hand-dyed colorways to display their full beauty, while strategic lace patterning adds textural contrast. The designer describes the lace border as funky and almost chunky, indicating a bold, contemporary aesthetic rather than delicate or traditional lace styling. This balance between plain and patterned sections creates a simple, strong design with modern appeal.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined into lace motifs. Stocking stitch forms the base fabric throughout much of the shawl, providing a smooth, classic knit surface. Lace sections incorporate yarn overs and decreases to create openwork patterns, with the specific stitch combinations designed to produce the chunky, contemporary lace aesthetic described in the pattern notes. The picot strip edging at the beginning adds a decorative, finished detail to the starting point.

Yarn and Materials

Atalanta is designed for 4-ply and DK weight yarns, providing excellent stitch definition for both the stocking stitch and lace sections. The pattern accommodates various fiber contents and yarn brands, with sample projects demonstrating successful results across different yarn types.

The shawlette sample was originally knitted in Sanguine Gryphon Sappho II (a discontinued yarn) with the Light Feet colorway. The pattern notes suggest Madelintosh Tosh Merino Light as an alternative for this size, a pure merino yarn offering 384 meters (420 yards) per 100 grams, requiring 1 skein for the shawlette dimensions.

The larger shawl sample was worked in Wollmeise Pure 100% Merino Superwash in the Wasabi colorway, providing 525 meters (575 yards) per 150 grams, with 1.25 skeins used (though 1 skein would suffice for a generous shawl of slightly smaller dimensions).

The wrap sample utilized Posh Sylvia DK, a blend of silk, merino, and silk fibers offering 210 meters (230 yards) per 100 grams, requiring 3 skeins for the full wrap size. This fiber blend provides luxurious drape and sheen appropriate for a larger wrap garment.

Difficulty Level

Atalanta is rated as an advanced knitting pattern, suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with lace techniques, sideways construction, and managing shaping throughout a project. The integration of borders and edging during the knitting process requires attention to pattern details and understanding of how shawl construction progresses from tip to finished dimensions.

Design Philosophy

The pattern's versatility in sizing and yarn choice makes it an excellent vehicle for showcasing hand-dyed yarns, as the mixture of plain stocking stitch and lace allows color and texture variations to be fully appreciated. The sideways construction and integrated edging create a finished, professional appearance without additional finishing steps, while the contemporary lace aesthetic appeals to modern knitters seeking bold, distinctive shawl designs.