Between Transitions

Between Transitions Shawl by Cynthia Spencer

What Is Being Made

Between Transitions is a knitted shawl design that showcases color transitions through strategic use of slipped stitches. This intermediate-level pattern allows knitters to create a cozy, wearable shawl in their choice of size, making it an excellent project for displaying gradient yarns or incorporating yarn scraps into a finished garment.

Design and Construction Technique

The shawl uses slipped stitches as its primary design feature, enabling smooth, visually appealing transitions between different yarn colors or color blocks. The construction incorporates wrap-and-turn short rows, a shaping technique that allows the knitter to add depth and dimension to the shawl without increasing stitch count dramatically. This method creates a garment with excellent drape and structure.

Stitches and Techniques Required

This pattern assumes intermediate knitting knowledge and familiarity with several key techniques:

• Wrap-and-turn short rows – for shaping and creating the shawl's contours
• Slipped stitches – worked purlwise to create clean color transitions
• Make-1 left and make-1 right increases – for expanding the shawl to desired dimensions

The pattern includes quick reference descriptions for each technique, with additional instructional support available through video tutorials at reallyclear.com for knitters seeking more detailed guidance.

Sizing and Customization

Between Transitions offers flexible sizing, allowing knitters to customize the finished shawl to their preferences. The pattern provides detailed directions for adjusting size and selecting appropriate yarn weights and yardages. This adaptability makes the design suitable for various skill levels within the intermediate range and accommodates different yarn stash options.

Yarn and Materials

This shawl pattern is designed to work with yarn in multiple weights, including sport, DK, 4-ply, worsted, heavy worsted, aran, and chunky. The pattern includes estimated total yardage requirements for each weight category, enabling knitters to plan their projects accordingly. The flexible yarn requirements make Between Transitions ideal for showcasing gradient colorways or using up yarn scraps, as the slipped-stitch construction works beautifully with color changes.

Needles and Gauge

A circular needle measuring at least 32 inches is required, though 47-inch or 60-inch needles may be preferable depending on the chosen size. While gauge is not critical to the project's success, the pattern recommends using needles one size larger than those suggested on the yarn's ball band. This looser gauge significantly improves the shawl's drape and ensures a more elegant finished garment with better movement and flow.