Breakwater Shawl

Breakwater Shawl by Knitrelief

What is Being Made

The Breakwater Shawl is a crescent-shaped knit accessory designed as a weather transition piece. With a wingspan of 70 inches (178 centimeters) and a depth of 18 inches (46 centimeters), this shawl offers substantial coverage while maintaining a lightweight, elegant silhouette ideal for layering during seasonal changes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive crescent shape and geometric lace pattern. The shawl begins with a simple lace pattern repeat that establishes the foundational design, then transitions into short row shaping to create the curved crescent form. Short rows allow knitters to add depth and dimension to specific sections without increasing stitch count across the entire row, resulting in the shawl's signature curved silhouette.

The geometric lace pattern is central to the design's visual appeal, creating an exceptionally stunning openwork effect throughout the piece. This combination of lace and shaping techniques produces a sophisticated accessory that balances structure with delicate, breathable fabric.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) – Used in combination with knit stitches to create textural variation
• Yarn over (yo) – Creates the openwork holes characteristic of the geometric lace pattern
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used to shape the shawl and create lace motifs
• Knit 3 together (k3tog) – A double decrease adding definition to the lace pattern
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) – A decrease worked on wrong-side rows
• Slip, knit, pass over (skp) – A left-leaning decrease providing balanced shaping within the lace design

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Wool DK in the colorway Fog. This yarn is composed of 100% superwash wool, offering durability and easy care. The total yardage required is approximately 876 yards (3 skeins of 292 yards per 100 grams each), making this an accessible project for most knitters.

Needles: US 7 (4.5 millimeter) circular needles, 40 inches in length. Circular needles accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands and provide flexibility for managing the geometric lace pattern.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) over stockinette stitch on US 7 needles, measured after blocking. While gauge is not crucial for this particular project, variations in gauge will affect the final size and yardage requirements.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping sections throughout the knitting process.

Design Notes

Designed by Angeline Webb of Knitrelief Designs, the Breakwater Shawl features a single stitch maintained at each edge to create clean selvage edges. The pattern's flexibility regarding gauge makes it an excellent choice for knitters who may wish to adjust yarn weight or needle size while maintaining the essential character of the design.