Post Script Shawl

Post Script Shawlette by Kiki Geiger

What Is Being Made

The Post Script Shawlette is a compact, triangular shawlette designed to cover the shoulders with a small footprint, much like the "P.S." notation on a letter. This versatile accessory features a blunt triangular silhouette and can easily be converted into a scarf, making it a multi-functional garment. The finished dimensions measure approximately 50 inches wide by 12 inches deep, creating a modest yet elegant shoulder piece suitable for layering or standalone wear.

Project Overview

This shawlette is an ideal quick-knit project, requiring just over 110 yards of yarn and working up rapidly on large needles. The design produces a reversible, nubby texture that looks polished from both sides, making it an excellent choice for gift-giving. The pattern accommodates a wide range of yarn types, from ribbon yarn to chunky weights, and works particularly well with novelty yarns, allowing crafters to experiment with interesting fiber textures and visual effects.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Post Script Shawlette employs fundamental knitting techniques accessible to beginners while creating sophisticated results. The stitch work incorporates the following essential techniques:

• Cast On (CO): The foundation technique used to create the initial stitches on the needle
• Knit Stitch (K): The primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Knit Front and Back (Kf&b): A single increase technique that creates shaping by working into both the front and back loops of a single stitch
• Knit Front, Back, and Front (Kfbf): A double increase technique that creates more dramatic shaping by working into the front, back, and front again of a single stitch
• Bind Off (BO): The finishing technique used to secure stitches and complete the edges

The pattern incorporates repeat sequences (Rpt) that establish rhythm and structure throughout the knitting process. Row counting is recommended to track progress through the pattern sections.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for approximately 110 yards of bulkyweight yarn (classified as size 5 weight). The sample photographed uses 2 skeins of Bergerede France "Toison" in the Muscade colorway, though the pattern's flexibility allows for successful completion with various yarn types and weights.

Needles: US size 13 needles are required, available in either long straight or circular configurations. Circular needles are recommended for improved handling and comfort during knitting.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, a split marker for tracking pattern sections, and a row counter for monitoring progress through the pattern rounds.

Gauge and Sizing

One of the most appealing aspects of the Post Script Shawlette is its gauge-independent design. The pattern does not require matching a specific gauge, eliminating the need for gauge swatching—a significant advantage for quick projects and crafters seeking to minimize preparation time. This flexibility ensures consistent results regardless of individual tension variations, making the pattern highly accessible to knitters of all experience levels.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner-friendly project, the Post Script Shawlette provides an excellent introduction to shawlette construction while producing a polished, professional-looking finished garment. The straightforward stitch vocabulary and simple shaping techniques make this an ideal pattern for newer knitters seeking to build confidence and expand their skills.