Kristin

Kristin Shawlette by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

Kristin is a squishy garter sideways shawlette designed to honor the concept of matriarchy and family strength. This knitted shawl is worked from one end to the other in a sideways construction, creating a finished piece measuring 17 inches by 64 inches once blocked. The design is engineered to use most of a single skein of yarn, making it an excellent stash-busting project for crafters looking to maximize their yarn resources.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Kristin shawlette employs a sideways knitting construction, which means the shawl is worked horizontally rather than from top to bottom. This technique allows for a unique approach to shaping: the knitter begins by weighing the yarn at the start, then increases stitches until reaching the halfway point of the skein. Once the midpoint is reached, the same number of decreases are worked to return to the original stitch count, creating a symmetrical diamond or wedge-shaped silhouette. This method gives crafters control over the final dimensions while ensuring efficient yarn usage.

The shawl features garter stitch as its primary texture, which creates a soft, squishy fabric with excellent drape and flexibility. Garter stitch is formed by knitting every row, producing horizontal ridges that give the finished shawl its characteristic cozy appearance and dimensional quality.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the foundation stitch worked throughout the entire shawl, created by knitting every row
• Increases – worked during the first half of the project to expand the shawl width
• Decreases – worked during the second half to mirror the increases and taper the shawl back to its original width
• Stockinette stitch – referenced for gauge measurement purposes

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The sample shown in the pattern uses Neighborhood Fiber Co Studio Sock, a 100% superwash merino yarn. This yarn weight is classified as sport or 4-ply, offering approximately 400 yards per 4 ounces. The sample project used 365 yards in the colorway Logan Circle, though the pattern is designed to accommodate most of a single skein regardless of exact yardage.

Needles: A 24-inch circular needle in US size 5 (3.75 mm) is required, or the size necessary to obtain proper gauge. Circular needles accommodate the sideways construction and allow for comfortable handling of the expanding and contracting stitch counts.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches measured in wet-blocked stockinette. While gauge is noted as not critical for this project, it will affect the final drape of the shawl and the amount of yarn consumed during construction.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the absolute beginner level. The sideways construction and increase-decrease methodology require understanding of basic shaping techniques, while the straightforward garter stitch texture keeps the project accessible and meditative to work.

Design Philosophy

The Kristin shawlette carries meaningful inspiration, named after the Icelandic word for matriarch. The pattern honors the strength and legacy of family matriarchs, celebrating their role in nurturing and holding families together. This thematic connection adds depth to the crafting experience beyond the technical aspects of the project.