Goldeneye

Goldeneye Shawl by Taiga Hilliard Designs

Project Overview

Goldeneye is a classic top-down triangle shawl designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs. This intermediate-level knitting project features distinctive ridge detailing and is engineered to be fully adjustable, allowing knitters to work with any yarn weight and customize the finished size to their preferences. The downloadable PDF pattern provides complete instructions for creating this elegant triangular wrap.

Construction Method

The shawl is constructed using a top-down approach, beginning from the apex and expanding outward to create the triangular silhouette. The pattern incorporates a garter tab cast-on technique, which provides a clean, finished edge at the top of the shawl. From this foundation, the shawl expands through strategic increases worked on both the right and wrong sides, allowing the triangle to grow symmetrically.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Structure

Goldeneye employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its characteristic appearance:

• Yarn overs (YO) – Creates decorative eyelets and contributes to the shawl's lacy expansion
• Knit front and back (KFB) – An increase stitch that creates two stitches from one, worked strategically to shape the triangle
• Garter stitch – Knit stitches on both right and wrong sides, creating the textured ridge detail that defines this pattern
• Stockinette sections – Alternating with garter sections to create visual contrast and the ridge effect
• Marker placement – Used to denote the center line of the triangle and guide increases

The pattern alternates between a Simple Section and a Garter Section, with each section repeated multiple times. The Simple Section features stockinette stitch with yarn overs and increases, while the Garter Section maintains knit stitches across both sides to build the textured ridge detail. This alternation creates the shawl's distinctive visual character.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Malabrigo Rasta is the recommended yarn for this pattern, though the adjustable design allows for substitution with any yarn weight of your choice.

Needles: US size 19 (15.00 mm) needles are specified, though the pattern notes that you should use whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge: 6.0 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for creating a shawl of the intended dimensions.

Yardage: Approximately 180 yards of yarn is required for this project, making it an efficient use of yarn for a substantial finished piece.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Goldeneye requires familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, knit and purl stitches, yarn overs, and increases. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern instructions and working with stitch markers. The adjustable nature of the pattern makes it accessible to intermediate knitters seeking a customizable project.