Lollypom

Lollypom Asymmetrical Shawl by Karen Heimburger

What is Being Made

Lollypom is a beginner-friendly asymmetrical shawl designed as a companion piece to the popular Lolly hat. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a textured shawl that can be worn simply or customized with pompoms for added visual interest and playfulness.

Design and Construction

The shawl features an asymmetrical construction that increases at the end of every right-side row, creating a triangular or crescent shape. The design showcases a mock lace cable and twisted rib motif along the right-hand edge, while the body combines a twisted rib pattern with reverse stockinette stitch for textural contrast. A mock lace cable and twisted rib border finishes the piece, framing the design elegantly.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Asymmetrical shaping: Increases worked at the end of each right-side row to create the asymmetrical silhouette
• Mock lace cable: A decorative cable technique that mimics lace without requiring traditional cable needle manipulation
• Yarn overs: Used within the mock lace cable motif to create openwork details
• Decrease techniques: Pass-slip-over decreases (k3-p1so) worked as part of the cable pattern
• Twisted stitches: Knit through the back loop (k1tbl) and purl through the back loop (p1tbl) for textural definition

Stitches Featured

Mock Lace Cable and Twisted Rib: This four-row repeat combines knit through the back loop, purl stitches, yarn overs, and pass-slip-over decreases to create a cable-like appearance with lace characteristics. The pattern alternates between right-side and wrong-side rows, with right-side rows including the yarn over and decrease elements that form the mock cable structure.

Twisted Rib: A two-row repeat featuring k1tbl and p4 on right-side rows, alternating with k4 and p1tbl on wrong-side rows. This creates a textured, dimensional rib that forms the body of the shawl and contributes to the overall visual interest.

Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Used within the body of the shawl to provide contrast against the twisted rib sections, creating a balanced and visually appealing fabric.

Pattern Structure

The pattern begins with a simple cast-on of three stitches. Each right-side row begins with k2 and ends with k1, kfb (knit one, knit front and back), creating the asymmetrical increase. Each wrong-side row begins with k3 and ends with k2. This consistent increase strategy, combined with the stitch patterns, builds the shawl's distinctive shape throughout the knitting process. A chart is provided on page 3 of the pattern to guide stitch placement.

Materials

Lollypom is designed for DK weight yarn, making it an accessible project that works up relatively quickly. The pattern accommodates standard knitting needles appropriate for DK yarn. Optional pompoms can be added as embellishment for a more playful finished look.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, Lollypom introduces knitters to asymmetrical shaping, twisted stitches, and basic cable techniques without overwhelming complexity. The straightforward increase method and charted pattern make it an excellent choice for knitters looking to expand their skills while creating a wearable accessory.