Petrel

Petrel Shawl by Kristen TenDyke

What is Being Made

Petrel is a knitted shawl designed by Kristen TenDyke and available through Caterpillar Knits. This garment is a versatile wrap suitable for various occasions, offered in three finished size options to accommodate different preferences and body types.

Finished Measurements

The Petrel shawl is available in three sizes with the following finished dimensions:

• Size 1: Approximately 22 inches [56 cm] long and 44 inches [112 cm] wide
• Size 2: Approximately 27.5 inches [70 cm] long and 55 inches [139.5 cm] wide
• Size 3: Approximately 29.5 inches [75 cm] long and 59 inches [150 cm] wide

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This shawl employs several fundamental knitting techniques that make it accessible to beginners while creating visual interest through stitch manipulation. The pattern incorporates the following key techniques:

• Provisional Cast-On: The pattern uses a waste yarn and provisional cast-on method to begin with 9 stitches, allowing for flexibility in finishing
• Garter Stitch: Rows alternate between knit and purl stitches to create the textured garter stitch fabric
• Cable Stitch (C8B): Cable 8 back stitches are worked to create twisted, dimensional texture
• Increases (m1): Make 1 increases are used to shape the shawl by inserting the left-hand needle under the horizontal strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop
• Decreases (sk2p): Slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over decreases are employed to shape and structure the piece

Yarn and Materials

The Petrel shawl is crafted using Cascade's Eco Wool, a sustainable fiber choice composed of 100% Peruvian wool. This yarn is offered in a chunky weight, making it ideal for quick knitting and creating a substantial, cozy finished garment. Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Size 1: 1 hank (approximately 470 yards)
• Sizes 2 and 3: 2 hanks each (approximately 590 and 630 yards respectively)

Each hank of Cascade Eco Wool weighs 250 grams and yields approximately 478 yards. The sample shown in the pattern is worked in color 8010 Natural, a neutral earth tone that complements the eco-conscious fiber choice.

Difficulty Level

Petrel is rated as a beginner level knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are developing their skills. While the pattern includes cable stitches and various increases and decreases, the straightforward construction and repetitive stitch patterns allow newer knitters to build confidence and technique.

Design Philosophy

Created by independent designer Kristen TenDyke through Caterpillar Knits, this pattern reflects an earth-friendly approach to knitting design. The use of sustainable Peruvian wool and the downloadable PDF format minimize environmental impact, with the pattern itself encouraging responsible printing practices through its recommendation to print only when necessary and to use recycled paper printed on both sides.