Knit Below Shawl

Knit Below Shawl by Ester Puente

What is Being Made

The Knit Below Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Ester Puente. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished piece that showcases dimensional texture and three-dimensional stitch work. The shawl is constructed using a garter tab cast on at the beginning and finished with decorative tassels, making it a visually striking accessory suitable for showcasing advanced knitting techniques.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques that elevate it beyond basic projects. The foundation begins with a garter tab cast on, a method that creates a neat, structured starting point. The primary technique throughout the shawl is the knit below stitch, abbreviated as k1b, which involves inserting the right-hand needle into the middle of the stitch just below the next stitch on the left-hand needle, then knitting as normal while dropping both stitches off the needle. This action creates distinctive "long loops" on the back side of the work, producing the squishy, three-dimensional textured effect that defines this design. The pattern also incorporates yarn over increases (yo) for shaping. Notably, this shawl requires no purling, making it accessible to knitters who prefer working primarily with knit stitches.

Stitches Used

• Knit Below (k1b) - The signature stitch creating the dimensional texture by working into the stitch below the next stitch on the needle
• Yarn Over (yo) - Used for shaping and creating the lace-like increases throughout the pattern
• Garter Stitch - Formed by the cast-on tab using knit stitches

Materials and Tools

The Knit Below Shawl is worked in DK weight yarn, requiring a total of 675 yardsUS Circular Needle Size 9 in 32-inch length for working the shawl. The sample shown in the pattern uses 3 skeins of Red Stag Fibre Estate DK in the Red Stag colorway. Additional supplies needed include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and 2 progress keepers to help manage your place within the pattern.

Design Recommendations

To best showcase the intricate texture created by the knit below stitch technique, Ester Puente recommends choosing yarn colors thoughtfully. Tonal or solid color yarns will emphasize the dimensional quality of the stitch work, allowing the three-dimensional texture to be the focal point. Alternatively, lightly speckled yarn can highlight the layered effect created by the stitch pattern, adding visual interest while maintaining clarity of the texture.

Difficulty Level

This shawl is rated as an intermediate level pattern, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more advanced stitch techniques and textural elements. The elimination of purling and the straightforward circular needle construction make it approachable, while the knit below technique provides an engaging challenge that will expand your technical repertoire.