Early Winter

Early Winter Shawl by Laura Aylor

What is Being Made

Early Winter is a sideways-knit triangle shawl designed by Laura Aylor. This knitting project creates a large, elegant wrap with a wingspan of 85 inches and a depth of 19 inches after blocking. The shawl features a solid garter stitch section paired with five bold horizontal stripes, making it a striking accessory suitable for layering during cooler seasons.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques that build foundational skills. The primary techniques required include increasing stitches to shape the triangular silhouette, yarn overs to create decorative eyelets throughout the design, and decreasing stitches to manage the shaping as the triangle expands. The sideways construction method allows knitters to work from one point outward, creating the triangular shape through strategic increases and decreases.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Early Winter shawl is constructed primarily in garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This classic stitch produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges that showcase color changes beautifully. The garter stitch base is interrupted by eyelets—decorative openings created through yarn overs and decreases—that add visual interest and delicate detailing to the design. The combination of solid garter stitch sections with eyelet details creates depth and dimension in the finished piece.

Color and Design Elements

The shawl features a distinctive color-blocking design with a solid section in color 1 (shown as medium grey in the sample) and five wide stripes alternating between color 2 (coral) and color 3 (pale grey). Knitters are encouraged to customize the color placement according to personal preference, making this design adaptable to individual yarn collections and aesthetic choices.

Materials and Yardage Requirements

This sport-weight yarn project requires approximately 775 yards total across three colors:

• Color 1: 460 yards
• Color 2: 185 yards
• Color 3: 130 yards

The sample was knit using Outlaw Yarn Bohemia Sport, a blend of polwarth, alpaca, and possum fiber. Knitters will need US 4/3.5 mm needles (or the size required to achieve the specified gauge) and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. Sport-weight yarn is a lightweight option that works well for shawls, creating an airy fabric suitable for layering.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches in 4 inches of lightly blocked garter stitch. While gauge is noted as not critical for this design, variations in gauge will affect both the finished size of the shawl and the total yardage required. Knitters working at a tighter gauge may need slightly less yarn, while those working at a looser gauge may require additional yardage.

Skill Level

Early Winter is rated as a beginner-level knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters developing their fundamental skills. The pattern introduces essential techniques—increasing, yarn overs, and decreasing—in a straightforward construction that allows crafters to practice these skills while creating a beautiful, wearable finished object.