Snow Days

Snow Days Knitted Shawl by Rachel Brown

Project Overview

Snow Days is a beginner-friendly knitted shawl designed by Rachel C. Brown and inspired by a late-winter snowstorm. This adjustable triangular wrap is crafted to provide cosy comfort while showcasing the beautiful qualities of worsted weight yarn. The design emphasizes texture play and offers flexibility in sizing, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to create a quick, satisfying garment.

What Is Being Made

Snow Days is a triangular shawl that begins at the narrowest point and expands outward. The wrap is completely adjustable in final size based on available yarn quantity and personal preference, allowing knitters to customize the finished dimensions. This versatility makes it suitable for using stash yarn or creating multiple versions in different colorways.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level knitters:

• Increasing techniques: Knit front and back (kfb), make one left (M1L), and make one right (M1R) are used throughout the pattern to create the expanding triangular shape
• Decreasing techniques: Knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) are incorporated into the design
• Increases worked every fourth row: This regular increase interval creates the structured growth of the shawl from point to wrap
• Texture contrast work: The pattern alternates between different stitch patterns and garter stitch bands, creating visual and tactile interest

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

Snow Days features contrasting texture sections separated by bands of garter stitch. The garter stitch bands serve as visual breaks between more complex texture patterns, creating a balanced design. The alternating textures showcase the yarn's qualities while maintaining beginner accessibility. Knitters have the option to work all texture patterns as written or select individual texture patterns to focus on, allowing for creative customization and experimentation.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for two skeins of worsted weight merino yarn. Worsted weight is a medium yarn suitable for creating drape and definition in shawl projects. The merino fiber provides a luxurious feel against the skin, making this shawl ideal for snuggling against cold weather.

Needles and notions: A tapestry needle is required for finishing. Specific needle size and type information is referenced in the pattern gauge section, which should be consulted before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

Snow Days is rated as a beginner-level knitting project. The skills required—knitting, purling, basic increases, and basic decreases—are foundational techniques that beginning knitters can master. The straightforward construction and the meditative quality of alternating between texture sections and garter stitch bands make this an excellent project for knitters building their skills and confidence.

Design Philosophy

The pattern emphasizes what is often called potato chip knitting—the addictive quality of working through simple, satisfying rows that encourage continued knitting. By combining garter stitch with texture sections, Snow Days creates a rhythm that keeps knitters engaged while remaining accessible. The adjustable nature of the design encourages play and experimentation, whether through color choices, texture pattern selection, or final sizing based on yarn availability.