Seashore shawl

Seashore Shawl by Milja Uimonen

What Is Being Made

The Seashore Shawl is a lightweight knitted wrap designed as a narrow halfcircle shape. This beginner-friendly shawl measures approximately 55 inches (140 cm) along the cast on edge, 62 inches (158 cm) along the bind off edge, and 8 inches (20 cm at its widest point from cast on to bind off. The design combines two distinct yarn textures to create visual and tactile interest, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

The primary construction technique employed in the Seashore Shawl is short rows, which create the characteristic narrow halfcircle silhouette. This shaping method allows knitters to add width and dimension to the shawl while maintaining a manageable working width on the needles. The short row technique is fundamental to achieving the shawl's elegant curved form and is well-suited to beginner knitters looking to expand their technical skills.

Stitches Used

The body of the Seashore Shawl is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, the most basic and versatile knit stitch pattern. Stockinette stitch creates a smooth, classic fabric on the knit side that showcases the yarn textures beautifully, particularly when combining the smooth merino with the fuzzy mohair blend.

Yarn and Materials

The Seashore Shawl is designed to showcase the interplay between two contrasting yarns:

• Main Color (MC): Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in the color Corsage. This yarn is 100% merino wool with approximately 420 yards (384 meters) per 100 grams. The pattern calls for 1 skein, using approximately 240 yards (220 meters) of the main color yarn.
• Contrast Color (CC): Rowan Kidsilk Haze in color 590 Majestic. This yarn is a blend of 70% mohair and 30% silk, offering approximately 229 yards (209 meters) per 25 grams. The pattern requires 1 ball, using approximately 120 yards (110 meters) of the contrast color yarn.

Needles and Gauge

The Seashore Shawl is worked on a US 6 / 4 mm circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm). The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking. The pattern notes that while gauge is not crucial, variations in gauge will affect the finished size of the completed shawl, allowing knitters flexibility in customizing dimensions.

Design Versatility

The pattern encourages creative experimentation with different color and yarn combinations to achieve varied effects. Knitters can substitute alternative 4-ply weight yarns in different colors while maintaining the same construction method, making this design adaptable to personal preferences and stash yarns.