Bridge Over Troubled Water Shawl

Bridge Over Troubled Water Shawl by Jaala Spiro

What is Being Made

The Bridge Over Troubled Water Shawl is a knitted shawlette designed as a one-size accessory measuring 19.5" tall by 50" wide when blocked. This intermediate-level project creates a rhythmic, meditative knitting experience through the repetition of distinct pattern sequences, making it suitable for personal use or as a handmade gift.

Design and Pattern Structure

This shawl is constructed using a repeating sequence of stockinette sections, textured passages, and lace elements. The designer has strategized the pattern so that once you complete the first sequence, subsequent repeats flow naturally off your needles, providing a sense of accomplishment and momentum as the project progresses. The structured repetition creates both visual interest and a meditative knitting rhythm.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Bridge Over Troubled Water Shawl employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Stockinette stitch – the primary fabric base providing smooth, classic texture
• Yarn overs (yo) – creating decorative holes and lace elements
• Make 1 (M1) – an increase technique for shaping
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit) – a left-leaning decrease
• K2tog (knit 2 together) – a right-leaning decrease
• Sl1-k2tog-psso (slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) – a centered double decrease used prominently in the lace pattern
• Lace chart work – reading and executing a simple lace pattern from a charted format
• Bind off – finishing technique to secure stitches

Fishtail Lace Pattern

The shawl features a Fishtail Lace Pattern worked over a multiple of 10 stitches. This lace motif uses a combination of yarn overs and centered double decreases (sl1-k2tog-psso) to create an elegant, flowing design. The pattern is worked over 8 rows, with purl rows on the wrong side creating definition. The staggered placement of yarn overs and decreases across rows 1, 3, 5, and 7 produces the characteristic fishtail effect, while the strategic decreases maintain stitch count and create visual balance.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Bridge Over Troubled Water Shawl requires approximately 390 yards of DK-weight yarn (Craft Yarn Council category #3). The pattern was designed and shown using Knitcircus Yarns Divine, though any DK-weight yarn of similar yardage will work. The gauge is 16 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when blocked, though the designer notes that exact gauge is not crucial for this project—variations will primarily affect the total yardage required to complete the shawl.

Needles and Tools

While specific needle size is not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, DK-weight yarn typically works well on US sizes 4–6 (3.5–4 mm) needles. Knitters should select needle size based on achieving the stated gauge or their personal preference for fabric drape and density.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this shawl is accessible to knitters who are comfortable with basic stitches and simple lace chart reading. The repetitive nature of the pattern sequences makes it an ideal project for building confidence in lace techniques while maintaining an enjoyable, meditative knitting experience.