Canopy

Canopy Shawl by Knifty Knittings

What is Being Made

Canopy is a classic top-down triangle shawl designed by Destiny Meyer and inspired by the canopy walk of Whiting Forest. This intermediate-level knitting project features a finished circumference of 40 inches (100 cm) and a width of 22 inches (56 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a wrap. The shawl combines garter stitch sections with lace panels to create visual interest and depth.

Design Inspiration and Construction

The Canopy shawl draws artistic inspiration from the natural and architectural elements of a forest canopy walk. The design cleverly translates this inspiration into knitting techniques: unobtrusive bridges and man-made elements are represented through garter stitch sections, while towering forest trees are depicted through carefully crafted lace panels. This thematic approach creates a garment that tells a story through its stitch patterns and texture.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Top-down construction: The shawl begins at the top and increases outward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it grows and adjust the final size if desired
• Garter Tab Cast-On: The project begins with a Garter Tab CO, a method that creates a neat, finished edge at the top of the shawl
• Lace panels: Openwork sections created through yarn overs and decreases form the forest tree motif throughout the design
• Garter stitch sections: Flat, textured areas that represent the bridges and structural elements of the canopy walk
• Circular needle knitting: The shawl is worked on circular needles, allowing for seamless construction and easy stitch management

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Canopy shawl employs fundamental knitting stitches and decreasing techniques essential to shawl construction. Key stitches include:

• Yarn overs (yo): Create the openwork lace sections and add decorative eyelets throughout the design
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the shawl and create lace patterns
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog to create balanced lace motifs
• Knit 2 together through back loops (k2togtbl): An alternative decrease technique for specific stitch pattern requirements
• Slip stitch (sl): Used for joining rounds and creating seamless transitions
• Garter stitch: Created by knitting every row, this foundational stitch provides texture and structure

Materials and Gauge

The Canopy shawl is worked in DK weight yarn, specifically Audine Wools Sigh DK in the colorway Ladybug. This yarn is composed of 85% Merino Wool and 15% Cashmere, providing softness, breathability, and a luxurious drape ideal for shawl construction. The project requires 2 skeins, with each skein containing 302 yards (276 meters) per 100 grams.

The shawl is knitted on US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring 62 inches (157.5 cm) long. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches by 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter Stitch when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the lace panels open appropriately after blocking.

Skill Level and Additional Notions

Canopy is rated as Advanced Beginner difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore shawl construction and lace techniques. The pattern requires 4 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping sections, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work. Blocking is recommended to open up the lace panels and achieve the finished dimensions specified in the pattern.