Mossy Bark Shawlette

Mossy Bark Shawlette by Shannon Squire

Project Overview

The Mossy Bark Shawlette is a fingering-weight triangular shawl designed by Shannon Squire. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a versatile accessory measuring 62 inches from tip to tip with a center depth of 17 inches after blocking. The finished shawlette offers a sophisticated drape suitable for layering or wearing as a lightweight wrap.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project classified at the advanced beginner skill level, making it accessible to knitters with foundational experience who are ready to expand their technical abilities. The pattern incorporates lace knitting techniques combined with shaping increases, requiring knitters to follow a lace chart while managing stitch increases to achieve the triangular silhouette. The combination of these elements creates visual interest and demonstrates core intermediate knitting competencies.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl (p): Used to create textural variation within the lace pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in lace motifs
• Slip/slip/knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog for balanced lace patterning
• Lace pattern: The design incorporates openwork elements that create the characteristic "mossy bark" aesthetic through strategic yarn overs and decreases
• Stitch markers: Essential for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases throughout the construction

Materials and Gauge

The Mossy Bark Shawlette requires approximately 375 yards of fingering-weight yarn. The pattern was designed using Blue Moon Fiber Arts BFL Fingering in the colorway Frog & Toad, though any fingering-weight yarn of similar yardage and fiber content will work. The recommended needle size is US 3 (3.25mm) circular needle, 24 inches or longer, sized to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern notes that gauge is not crucial for this project, offering flexibility for yarn substitutions.

The working gauge is 24 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Blocking is essential for this project to achieve the finished measurements and to open up the lace pattern properly, revealing the intricate stitch definition.

Pattern Structure

This is a top-down triangular shawl construction, a popular method that allows knitters to try on the piece as it grows and customize the final size by binding off when desired. The pattern requires stitch markers to manage pattern repeats and shaping, along with a tapestry needle for weaving in ends after completion. The downloadable PDF format allows for easy reference during knitting, whether printed or viewed digitally.