Sanderling Shawl in Tahki Yarns Classic Superwash - TYNSS20 - 8 - Downloadable PDF

Sanderling Shawl in Tahki Yarns Classic Superwash — Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Sanderling Shawl is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Sandi Rosner and published as a downloadable PDF by Tahki Yarns. This elegant, generously sized shawl is worked in two colors and features a graceful crescent-like silhouette with a wingspan of 65 inches (165 cm) and a center length of 31 inches (78.5 cm). It is knitted in a single size, making it a versatile accessory suitable for a wide range of wearers.

Construction Method

The Sanderling Shawl is worked flat, beginning at the center back neck and growing outward and downward toward the lower edge through a series of progressively larger sections. Rather than working the shawl in one continuous piece, the design is cleverly divided into alternating Left Side and Right Side sections — odd-numbered sections for the Right Side and even-numbered sections for the Left Side. Each side is worked on its own separate circular needle, so stitches are simply left resting on their needle while the opposite side is being worked, eliminating the need for stitch holders. Sections are joined at the center of the shawl by picking up and knitting stitches along the straight edge of the previously completed section. This modular, back-and-forth construction gives the shawl its structured shape and allows the two yarn colors to be introduced in a deliberate, organized sequence.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat — all sections are knitted back and forth in rows
• Picking up and knitting stitches — used to join sections at the center spine of the shawl
• Yarn over increases — including a special yob (yarn over backwards) technique that twists the resulting stitch to close any hole, maintaining a clean fabric surface
• Two-color knitting — colors are alternated between sections, with color changes at defined row intervals
• Lace detailing — a k2tog, yo sequence appears within certain rows to introduce a subtle decorative element at color-change transitions
• Two-needle management — working with two separate circular needles simultaneously, one per side, is a key organizational technique in this pattern

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch — the primary stitch pattern throughout, creating a squishy, reversible fabric with excellent drape; worked by knitting every row when working flat
• Yarn over (yo) — used both as a standard increase and in the lace sequence
• Yob (yarn over backwards) — a special directional yarn over that is later knitted through the front loop to twist and close the stitch, preventing an unwanted eyelet
• K2tog (knit two together) — a right-leaning decrease used in combination with yarn overs to create the lace detail rows

Materials Required

The pattern calls for 2 skeins each of Tahki Yarns Classic Superwash in two colors: #006 Fawn (Color A) and #001 Natural (Color B). This yarn is a 100% superwash wool in a DK weight, with each skein measuring 3.5 oz / 100 g and 218 yards / 200 m. The superwash treatment makes the finished shawl easy to care for and machine washable, while the pure wool content provides excellent stitch definition and a soft, comfortable hand.

The recommended needle is a size 8 (5 mm) circular needle, 32 inches / 80 cm long — and because each side of the shawl is worked on its own needle, two circular needles of this size are required. A size 10 (6 mm) knitting needle of any style is used exclusively for binding off, which helps ensure a loose, flexible edge that complements the blocked dimensions of the shawl. A yarn needle is also needed for finishing.