Maritime

Maritime Shawl by Vanessa Ewing

Project Overview

Maritime is a top-down knitted shawl featuring nautical-inspired colorwork bands. This intermediate-level design creates a generous wingspan of 76 inches (193 cm) with a center spine depth of 35 inches (88.9 cm), making it an elegant wrap suitable for layering or display. The shawl combines solid stockinette sections with vibrant stranded colorwork to evoke a maritime aesthetic.

Construction Method

The shawl is worked from the top down using a circular construction method. This approach allows the knitter to shape the garment progressively and try it on during the knitting process. The top-down technique also provides flexibility in adjusting the final size by simply knitting additional rows before binding off. A long circular needle is required to accommodate the large number of stitches that accumulate as the shawl expands outward from the center.

Colorwork and Design Elements

Maritime incorporates stranded colorwork techniques to create nautical bands throughout the shawl. Stranded colorwork, also known as Fair Isle knitting, involves carrying multiple yarn colors across the row and switching between them to create patterns. This technique adds visual interest and texture while maintaining the structural integrity of the knitted fabric. The colorwork sections are worked at a slightly looser gauge to accommodate the multiple yarn strands being carried.

Stitches and Techniques

• Stockinette stitch forms the foundation of the solid color sections, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Stranded colorwork creates the nautical band patterns by carrying unused yarn colors inside the work
• Increases are worked strategically throughout the top-down construction to shape the expanding triangular shawl form
• Stitch markers help track pattern repeats and increase points across the width of the shawl

Yarn and Materials

Maritime is designed for fingering weight yarn, which creates a delicate, drapable fabric ideal for shawls. The project requires approximately 920 yards total across three coordinating colors. The designer used Cape May Fiber Sock yarn (450 yards per 100-gram skein) composed of 75% Superwash Merino and 25% Nylon, providing durability and elasticity alongside the softness of merino wool. The specific colorways used are Color A: Sunburned (a multi-colored speckle combining white, orange, black, yellow, and red), Color B: Queen Victoria (white with blue, pink, orange, and navy speckles), and Color C: Marina (a tonal teal). The nylon content in the yarn blend adds strength to the finished shawl, making it resistant to snagging and wear.

Needles and Tools

• US Size 6 (4mm) circular needle — 32 inches (80 cm) length for stockinette stitch sections
• US Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle — 32 inches (80 cm) length for colorwork sections, worked at a slightly larger gauge to accommodate multiple yarn strands
• Four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and blocking

Gauge and Finishing

Correct gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished measurements. The stockinette sections should measure 18 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) on US Size 6 (4mm) needles after blocking. The colorwork sections should also measure 18 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches on US Size 7 (4.5mm) needles after blocking. Knitters should adjust needle sizes as needed to obtain the correct gauge before beginning the project. Blocking is a critical finishing step that opens up the colorwork stitches, evens out the fabric, and helps the shawl achieve its full wingspan and drape.

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle stranded colorwork. Familiarity with circular needle knitting, reading charts, and managing multiple yarn colors is helpful. The top-down construction provides the advantage of being able to try the shawl on as it grows, allowing for adjustments before the project is complete.