Qinnitan

Qinnitan Shawl by Melanie Berg

What is Being Made

Qinnitan is a generous fingering-weight shawl featuring a sophisticated crescent shape with a wingspan of 60 inches along the top edge and a center depth of 21 inches. This shawl is designed for everyday wear, offering a loose fabric with beautiful drape that balances casual elegance with wearability.

Construction Method and Shaping Techniques

Qinnitan is worked outwards from the center of the top edge, creating a unique construction that builds the shawl from a single starting point. The shaping is achieved through a combination of increase rows and short row techniques, which work together to create the distinctive crescent silhouette and harmonic flow throughout the design. This method allows for strategic shaping that enhances the garment's drape and structure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in Qinnitan is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, flowing fabric characteristic of this design. Decreases are incorporated using k2tog (knit 2 stitches together), which reduces stitches and contributes to the shaping throughout the shawl. The combination of stockinette with strategic decreases and short rows creates the harmonic visual flow.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Finch by Quince & Co., 100% American wool, 221 yards per 50 grams
• Yardage: 2 skeins Petal 111 (main color) and 2 skeins Chanterelle 118 (contrast color)
• Needles: One 40-inch circular needle in US size 7 [4.5mm] or size needed to obtain gauge
• Additional Notions: Tapestry needle for finishing

Gauge and Difficulty Level

Qinnitan is an intermediate-level knitting project with a gauge of 21 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. The intermediate difficulty reflects the combination of techniques required, including working from a center point outward, managing increases and short rows, and achieving proper blocking for the finished measurements.