September Stripes

September Stripes Triangular Shawl by Jordan Prouty

What is Being Made

September Stripes is a large, triangular shawl designed by Jordan Prouty as the perfect accessory for cool fall evenings. This snuggly wrap measures approximately 85 inches by 35 inches when complete, making it a generous garment suitable for layering and wrapping. The shawl features engaging striped colorwork with changing textures throughout the design, allowing knitters to work with their favorite fall color combinations.

Yarn and Materials

This intermediate-level knitting project uses DK weight yarn in two colors: a main color (MC) and a contrasting color (CC). The pattern requires 600 to 650 yards of DK weight yarn for the main color and 370 to 420 yards of DK weight yarn for the contrasting color, totaling approximately 970 to 1,070 yards of yarn. The sample shawl was knitted using The Plucky Knitter Primo DK yarn, with 3 skeins in Clydesdale for the main color and 2 skeins in Peep Toes for the contrasting color. Each skein of The Plucky Knitter Primo DK contains 200 yards and weighs 105 grams.

Tools Required

Knitters will need size 8 (5 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches in length, or needles sized as required to meet the specified gauge. Additional tools include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches when measured in garter stitch after blocking. While exact gauge is not critical for this design, variations in gauge will affect the finished dimensions and overall yarn requirements. Knitters should swatch and block their gauge swatch to ensure accurate measurements before beginning the shawl.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

September Stripes employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern utilizes the following stitches and abbreviations:

• Knit (k): The basic knit stitch worked on the right side
• Purl (p): The basic purl stitch used for textural variation
• Knit through the back loop (k1tbl): A twisted knit stitch that creates a subtle texture change
• Purl through the back loop (p1tbl): A twisted purl stitch for additional textural interest
• Make 1 left (m1l): An increase technique used for shaping the triangular silhouette
• Cast on (CO): The foundation method for beginning the shawl
• Slip marker (sm): A technique for moving stitch markers between needles
• Place marker (pm): Used to denote pattern sections and increase points

The changing textures throughout the design combine garter stitch sections with twisted stitches and strategic increases to create visual interest while maintaining an engaging knitting experience. The two-color striping adds complexity and allows for creative color selection.

Pattern Structure

The shawl is worked flat on circular needles using increases to shape the triangular form. Stitch markers help track pattern repeats and shaping lines throughout the construction. The pattern incorporates both knit and purl rows to create the textured striping effect that makes this design visually engaging.

Finishing

After completing the knitting, the shawl requires blocking to set the gauge and even out the stitches. This finishing step is essential for achieving the specified finished measurements and ensuring the striped pattern displays evenly across the completed garment.