Flame Shawl with pockets

Flame Shawl with Pockets by Natalia Pleshko

What is Being Made

The Flame is a knitted shawl featuring integrated pockets, designed by Natalia Pleshko. This intermediate-level project creates a rectangular wrap measuring 74 inches by 17 inches with fringe, or 64 inches by 17 inches without fringe. Each pocket measures 9.5 inches by 9 inches, offering functional storage within the shawl's structure. The finished piece combines both aesthetic appeal and practical utility, making it a versatile accessory for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive design. The pattern utilizes double yarn overs to create openwork sections, which are worked throughout the project. The chain cast-on method is recommended to achieve matching visual appearance on both the cast-on and bind-off edges, creating a polished, symmetrical finish. Knitters are advised to use straight needles when possible, as they facilitate easier manipulation of stitches during the double yarn over sections, though circular needles can also be used with careful attention to stitch management along the cable portion. The pattern incorporates fringe finishing, which adds 10 inches to the total length and creates a decorative edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in the Flame shawl is Net stitch, which creates the openwork texture characteristic of the design. This stitch pattern is worked at a gauge of 14 stitches and 12 rows per 4 inches after blocking. The Net stitch provides both visual interest and the lacy quality typical of shawl construction. Stitch markers are used throughout the project to maintain pattern accuracy and help track progress across the rows.

Materials and Specifications

The Flame shawl requires 950 yards of worsted weight yarn. The sample was created using Saco River Dyehouse Lopi, a blend of 70% alpaca and 30% merino wool, which provides both warmth and drape. This yarn comes in 257-yard (236-meter) skeins per 100 grams.

Equipment needed includes:

• US size 11 (8 mm) straight needles or circular needles in 24-inch or 32-inch lengths
• Two stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats
• One tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing
• One size L (8 mm) crochet hook for pocket construction or finishing details

The specified gauge of 14 stitches and 12 rows over 4 inches in Net stitch, measured after blocking, is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the pockets fit as designed.