Product Description
This large, graphic shawl is lightweight – perfect for transitional seasons. The increases add a beautiful detail at the edge that is reminiscent of woodgrain, elevating what would be a very simple piece to something artfully crafted. Though the increases may be unfamiliar to you, they are extremely easy to execute. Though this isn’t a beginner project, if you can knit, purl, slip stitches, and work a yarn over, you will easily be able to whip up a Polarize. If you haven’t worked a provisional cast-on before, this is a great project to learn on. Only a few stitches are cast-on this way, so don’t let a little thing like a cast-on deter you.
FINI
Polarize Shawl by Courtney Spainhower
What is Being Made
The Polarize Shawl is a knitted triangular shawl designed by Courtney Spainhower. This intermediate-level project features a generous finished wingspan of approximately 88 inches with a center depth of 22 inches, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or as a statement accessory. The shawl is constructed using a combination of colorwork techniques and stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture throughout the piece.
Knitting Techniques Used
This shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. The pattern incorporates Slip Stitch Mosaic colorwork, a technique that creates intricate patterning by strategically slipping stitches and working with two colors. When working Slip Stitch Mosaic sections, the pattern requires creating long enough floats to ensure the fabric maintains proper stretch and elasticity. The shawl begins with a provisional cast-on, where the first repeat of Row 1 on the Tab completes this foundation. All stitches are slipped purlwise throughout the pattern, with specific yarn placement: on right-side rows, yarn is held in back when slipping; on wrong-side rows, yarn is held in front when slipping. This attention to yarn positioning is essential for achieving the correct fabric appearance and drape.
Stitches Used
The Polarize Shawl incorporates multiple stitch elements to build its structure and pattern:
- Knit stitches form the foundation of the fabric
- Purl stitches create texture and definition, particularly within the edge sections
- Yarn overs (YO) are used to add lace elements and increase stitches strategically throughout the pattern
- Slip stitches worked purlwise are central to the Slip Stitch Mosaic colorwork technique
The edge pattern is worked over 6 stitches and repeats throughout the shawl. The edge rows alternate between a simple knit row and a row combining knit and purl stitches in the sequence: K1, p1, k2, p1, k1. This edge treatment frames the main pattern sections and is worked using color as instructed in the pattern instructions.
Materials and Tools
The Polarize Shawl is designed to be worked in Fingering Weight yarn, specifically demonstrated using Manos del Uruguay Alma, a 100% superwash merino yarn. The project requires 546 yards (500 meters) per 100 grams, with one hank each of two colors: Color A (L2241 Humility) and Color B (L2540 Persistence). This yarnweight classification, also known as 4-ply, allows for the delicate colorwork and stitch definition necessary for the Slip Stitch Mosaic technique.
The pattern calls for Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length to accommodate the large number of stitches as the triangular shawl expands. Circular needles are essential for managing the increasing stitch count throughout the construction. Knitters should adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge, ensuring the finished dimensions and fabric characteristics match the designer's specifications.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | 4 Ply |
| Pages: | 6 |
| Designer: | Courtney Spainhower |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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