Broken Path Shawl Mkal

Broken Path Shawl Mkal by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

The Broken Path Shawl is a knitted shawl design created by independent designer Alicia Plummer. This project is suitable for beginner-level knitters and offers a meditative, nature-inspired knitting experience. The finished shawl features a construction method that allows knitters to follow a winding path similar to a nature walk, with the design philosophy encouraging crafters to reconnect with creation and find clarity through the rhythmic process of knitting.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Broken Path Shawl employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner crafters. The shawl is constructed using stockinette stitch as the primary fabric. The pattern utilizes a panel-based construction method where each portion of the shawl contains four increases total on every right-side row worked, with two increases distributed per panel. This structured increase pattern creates the expanding triangular or crescent shape typical of shawlettes and wraps.

Throughout the entire shawl, knitters maintain a spine (center) stitch and selvedge (edge) stitches, which serve as anchor points and create clean, finished edges. The use of place markers helps knitters track their position within the pattern and manage the multiple panels being worked simultaneously.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch forming the fabric of the shawl
• Increases – worked strategically on right-side rows to create shaping and expansion
• Spine stitch – a maintained center stitch that anchors the shawl construction
• Selvedge stitches – edge stitches maintained throughout for finished edges

Materials and Tools

The Broken Path Shawl is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn. The pattern calls for approximately 620 yards of yarn in a 240 gram skein. The recommended yarn for this project is Lakes Yarn & Fiber Worsted Weight Targhee.

Knitters will need US size 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles in a 32-inch length to accommodate the expanding stitches as the shawl grows. Additional notions include four place markers for tracking pattern sections and a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Gauge

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch on US size 8 needles, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the intended finished measurements of the shawl.

Design Philosophy

The Broken Path Shawl encourages knitters to use the meditative nature of the craft as a form of mindfulness and reconnection with nature. The pattern description invites crafters to hush the busy, buzzing world and step away to refresh and realign priorities, much like taking a small hike through creation. This beginner-friendly design makes it accessible to knitters new to shawl construction while providing a meaningful, contemplative making experience.