Sidewinder

Sidewinder Single-Skein Shawl by Meghan Jackson

What is Being Made

Sidewinder is a textured shawl designed as a single-skein project, perfect for crafters seeking an efficient use of yarn. This sideways-knit shawl is distinctive because it is attractive on both sides, making it versatile for wear and display. The finished shawl measures 68 inches wide from tip to tip and 26 inches deep at the center when relaxed after blocking, providing generous coverage without requiring multiple skeins of yarn.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The shawl employs a sideways-knit construction method, which means the piece is worked horizontally rather than from the top down or bottom up. This approach offers several advantages: it allows for customization of the final dimensions, creates interesting directional stitch patterns, and enables the designer to craft a garment that looks polished from both the front and back. The sideways construction technique is particularly suited to creating textured shawls with visual interest throughout.

Stitches and Pattern Details

Sidewinder features textured stitching that contributes to its two-sided appeal. The pattern provides both charted and written instructions, accommodating different learning preferences and knitting styles. This dual-instruction format makes the pattern accessible whether you prefer following visual charts or step-by-step written directions. The texture work is achievable at the advanced difficulty level, making this project suitable for experienced knitters seeking a moderately challenging single-skein design.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn Weight: DK weight (8 ply) yarn is the recommended gauge for this pattern. The original sample was created using DK Polwarth Silk by Indigodragonfish Designs, a luxurious blend containing 75% Polworth Wool and 25% Silk. This particular yarn provides 775 yards and 250 grams per skein, offering sufficient yardage for the complete shawl in one skein.

Adaptability: While designed for DK weight yarn, Sidewinder can easily be adapted to suit any weight of yarn, allowing knitters to work with their preferred fibers and adjust the final shawl dimensions accordingly.

Tools Required: The pattern calls for 4.5mm (US 7) circular needles measuring 32 inches or longer to accommodate the width of the shawl during construction. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a darning needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work.

Gauge and Sizing

The recommended gauge is 5 stitches and 5.5 rows per square inch when worked in DK weight yarn on 4.5mm needles. This gauge contributes to the finished dimensions of 68 inches wide by 26 inches deep. The sideways construction allows customization of these measurements, enabling knitters to adjust the shawl size to their preferences by working additional or fewer pattern repeats.

Pattern Format

Sidewinder is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it immediately accessible for digital devices or printing. The pattern includes comprehensive instructions suitable for advanced knitters who are comfortable with textured stitch work and pattern reading.