I'm wearing a bowtie now

I'm wearing a Bowtie now Knitted Shawl by Atalante

Project Overview

I'm wearing a Bowtie now is an intermediate-level knitted shawl design inspired by the science fiction television series Doctor Who. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a themed accessory featuring iconic imagery from the show, including bow tie motifs, cable designs representing Daleks, and decorative elements referencing the TARDIS. The finished shawl measures 140 x 47 cm (55 x 18.5 inches), making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Design Elements and Inspiration

The shawl incorporates multiple design layers that celebrate Doctor Who lore. Small cabled sections represent the bow ties worn by various incarnations of the Doctor character. Larger cable patterns positioned between the bow tie motifs draw inspiration from the Daleks, the Doctor's primary antagonists in the series. These structured cable elements are connected by flowing, undulating lines described as wibbely wobbely that create visual movement throughout the design. Optional beads placed in the shawl's center section form a constellation pattern referencing Kasterborous, as depicted on the back of a TARDIS key from the show.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic foundation. Cable stitches form the primary decorative elements throughout the design, creating the textured bow tie and Dalek-inspired motifs. The pattern uses chart-based construction, allowing knitters to follow visual guides for cable placement and shaping. Knitters have the option to incorporate beadwork using the crochet hook method for bead placement, adding dimensional embellishment to the center sections.

Pattern Customization

The shawl design offers adjustability for different finished sizes. Knitters may repeat the left and right pattern charts as many times as desired to achieve their preferred width. The pattern specifies ending on wrong-side rows 24, 26, 28, or 30 to preserve the integrity of the cable stitches and maintain design continuity at the shawl's edge.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for 3.5 mm (US 4) needles and is designed to work with Sheepy Time Knits All Your Lace yarn in the "Bowties are cool" colorway. One skein provides 100g and 800 meters (875 yards) of yarn, sufficient for the complete project. Additional materials include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for finishing. The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 41 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch, which knitters should verify before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Optional Embellishments

Beads are included as optional elements within the pattern. Knitters choosing to incorporate beads will use the crochet hook method for secure placement, adding sparkle and dimensional detail to the constellation section without altering the shawl's fundamental structure.