Electric Slide

Electric Slide Knitted Shawl by Emily Wood

What Is Being Made

The Electric Slide is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Emily Wood. This triangular shawl features a generous wingspan of 66 inches (167.5 cm) with a maximum depth of 21 inches (53.5 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a wrap. The design showcases colorwork through the use of a main color paired with multiple contrasting colors, creating visual interest and movement across the finished piece.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

The Electric Slide requires a total of 520 yards (475 meters) of yarn in worsted weight or aran weight. The pattern calls for 370 yards (338 meters) of the main color and 150 yards (137 meters) total distributed across contrasting colors. The sample shown was knitted using Manos del Uruguay Alegria Grande in the main color Kohl, paired with five coordinating colors from the Manos del Uruguay Alegria Grande Bocados line: Cactus Flower, Tahiti, Spirulina, Juanita, and Turmeric. These yarns are composed of 75% superwash merino and 25% polyamide, offering durability and easy care.

Needles and Tools

Knitters will need US size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needles measuring at least 40 inches (100 cm) in length. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends upon completion. Circular needles of this length accommodate the increasing stitch count as the triangular shawl expands during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches by 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch after blocking. Additionally, 14 rows measure 4 inches along the bias at the top edge when worked in Stockinette Stitch. Emily Wood notes that exact gauge is not critical but will affect both the finished dimensions of the shawl and the total yardage required, allowing knitters flexibility in yarn selection while maintaining the design's proportions.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Electric Slide is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The primary stitch used throughout is Stockinette Stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base. The shawl's triangular shape is achieved through strategic increases that expand the width as rows progress from the top edge downward. The incorporation of multiple contrasting colors introduces colorwork elements, adding visual depth and the dynamic "electric" quality referenced in the design name. Blocking is essential to achieving the specified gauge and ensuring the finished shawl drapes properly.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Electric Slide is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their abilities. The combination of basic stitches, straightforward shaping, and colorwork integration makes this an accessible yet engaging project for developing crafters.