Pathways Shawl

Pathways Shawl by Meghan Jackson

What Is Being Made

The Pathways Shawl is a lace knit shawl designed by Meghan Jackson as an exploration of life's journey through knitting. The design philosophy mirrors the unpredictable nature of personal pathways—beginning with straightforward, predictable sections that gradually evolve into more complex and challenging lace patterns. The finished shawl combines multiple knitting and finishing techniques to create a garment that rewards patience and skill development with beautiful, intricate results.

Design Structure and Sections

The shawl is constructed in distinct sections, each featuring different technical approaches:

• Main Body: Features accessible lace knitting with patterning worked on the right side only, making the pattern easy to memorize and follow across rows
• Feathered Edge: Transitions to a more complex "knitted lace" technique with patterning on both right and wrong side rows, requiring greater attention and skill
• Final Edging: Completed with simple crochet work, though knitters may substitute a knitted cast off if preferred

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced-level shawl employs multiple lace knitting techniques that build in complexity. The primary technique is lace knitting, which creates openwork patterns through strategic yarn overs and decreases. The shawl demonstrates the distinction between basic lace knitting (patterning on right side rows only) and more intricate knitted lace (patterning on both right and wrong sides), allowing knitters to experience progression in technical difficulty. A provisional cast on is used at the beginning, enabling seamless integration with the final edging.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the pattern overview, the shawl utilizes fundamental lace stitches built from yarn overs and decreases. The lace patterning is designed to be memorable, reducing the cognitive load of tracking complex stitch sequences. The feathered edge section introduces bidirectional patterning, requiring knitters to read and execute lace instructions on both knit and purl rows. The crochet edging uses basic crochet stitches to frame the completed lace sections.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Pathways Shawl is worked in SweetGeorgia Yarns CashSilk Lace, a luxury lace-weight yarn composed of 45% cashmere and 55% silk. This yarn is supplied in skeins of 400 yards per 50 grams, and the pattern requires 2 skeins (800 yards total). The cashmere-silk blend provides exceptional drape and a luxurious hand feel appropriate for an heirloom lace shawl. A small amount of contrasting smooth yarn is needed for the provisional cast on technique.

Tools and Notions

Construction requires 3.25 mm circular knitting needles measuring at least 32 inches in length to accommodate the expanding lace pattern. A 3 mm crochet hook is needed for the final edging. Stitch markers are optional but recommended for tracking pattern repeats, and a darning needle is essential for weaving in ends and any necessary finishing work.

Skill Level

Rated as an advanced knitting project, the Pathways Shawl is best suited for experienced knitters comfortable with lace techniques, reading complex stitch patterns, and managing increases across a growing garment. The design's intentional progression from simple to complex sections makes it an excellent project for knitters seeking to challenge and expand their technical abilities.