Plicata Shawl

Plicata Shawl by Alexis Hoy

What is Being Made

The Plicata Shawl is a crescent-shaped knitted shawl designed by Alexis Hoy. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished piece measuring 78 inches (198 cm) along the edge with a depth of 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) at the widest point. The shawl is crafted as a statement piece that combines bold colors with structural pleating to create visual drama and a cozy, wearable garment.

Techniques Used

The Plicata Shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive crescent shape and textured appearance:

• Pleating: Inward-curved pleats form the foundation of the shawl's architectural design, creating the characteristic crescent silhouette. The pattern includes specific instructions for creating these pleats, with a tutorial video available in the Resources section.
• Increases and Decreases: Simple, strategic increases and decreases shape the shawl and control its growth as you work from the center outward.
• Slip-Stitch Edge: A slip-stitch edge technique is used to create a finished, polished border. This method interlocks the main color (MC) with the contrasting color (CC) for a refined edge detail.
• Two-Color Knitting: The pattern incorporates both a main color and contrasting color yarn, allowing for bold color blocking and visual interest without requiring yarn breaks between color changes. Slip stitches are used to transition between colors efficiently.

Stitches Used

The Plicata Shawl features a simple textured lace pattern combined with stockinette stitch sections. The lace elements add visual interest and contribute to the shawl's drape, while the textured pattern provides depth without overwhelming the design. Slip stitches are integral to both the edge finishing and the two-color construction method.

Materials

This intermediate-level knitting pattern calls for sport weight yarn in two colors. You will need approximately 500 yards (457 meters) of main color yarn and 300 yards (274 meters) of contrasting color yarn, for a total of roughly 800 yards of yarn. The pattern specifically recommends hand-dyed BFL yarn (Bluefaced Leicester), which is prized for its softness, luster, and excellent stitch definition. BFL yarn knits up quickly into a comforting weight and creates beautiful drape, making it ideal for shawl construction. Standard knitting needles appropriate for sport weight yarn are required, though specific needle size recommendations would be found in the complete pattern details.

Design Highlights

The Plicata Shawl is designed as an intermediate level project, making it accessible to knitters with some experience while still offering interesting construction techniques. The combination of easy increases and decreases with textured lace creates a balanced pattern that is neither overly complex nor simplistic. The bold color choices and dramatic pleating make this shawl a statement piece suitable as a favorite staple in any wardrobe.