Stripey

Stripey Shawl by WoolAnn

Project Overview

Stripey is an asymmetric triangle-shaped shawl designed by independent designer WoolAnn. This beginner-friendly knitting project combines visual interest through strategic color changes and stitch variation, making it an excellent introduction to shawl construction. The finished sample measures 188 cm (74 inches) in length and 114 cm (45 inches) at its widest point after blocking.

Design and Construction

Rather than relying solely on garter stitch throughout, which would create a monotonous fabric, Stripey incorporates both garter stitch and moss stitch to add textural depth to the striped colorwork. The combination of these two fundamental knitting stitches creates visual contrast while remaining accessible to beginner knitters. The asymmetric triangle shape is a classic shawl silhouette that drapes beautifully and works well as a versatile accessory.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout sections of the shawl, created by knitting every row to produce a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges
• Moss Stitch: A textured stitch pattern incorporated into striped sections to create visual and tactile variation
• Striping: Color changes are worked throughout the pattern using multiple yarn colors to create horizontal stripes
• Asymmetric Triangle Construction: The shawl shape allows for flexible sizing based on available yarn

Yarn and Materials

Stripey is designed to be worked in 4 ply weight yarn, specifically using Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply Extrafine Merino Wool Superwash. This yarn choice provides a smooth, refined finish suitable for displaying stitch detail and color changes. The pattern calls for four coordinating colors:

• Main Color (MC): Cream (colour 22906) – approximately 360 meters / 396 yards across nearly 2 skeins
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Olive green (colour 22032) – minimum 180 meters / 198 yards
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Lavender (colour 22021) – minimum 180 meters / 198 yards
• Contrast Color 3 (CC3): Sage green (colour 22037) – minimum 180 meters / 198 yards

The superwash treatment on this merino wool makes the finished shawl easy to care for while maintaining the softness and drape characteristic of merino fiber.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern is worked on US 2.5 needles (3.00 mm), which is appropriate for 4 ply yarn and creates a fabric with good stitch definition. The recommended gauge is 27 stitches and 20 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) after blocking. While gauge is noted as not being crucial to the project's success, variations in gauge will affect the final yardage requirements and overall dimensions of the finished shawl.

Blocking and Finishing

Blocking is an important step in finishing Stripey, as it sets the stitches and helps even out the striped pattern. The pattern recommends using blocking wires and pins to shape and secure the shawl during the blocking process, which helps achieve the final measurements and ensures the asymmetric triangle shape is properly defined.

Flexibility and Customization

One of the key features of Stripey is its adaptability. The asymmetric triangle construction makes it easy to adjust the finished size based on available yarn quantity or personal preference. Knitters can work additional stripes to use more yarn or stop earlier if working with limited yardage, making this pattern suitable for stash-busting or yarn substitution with careful yardage planning.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, Stripey requires only fundamental knitting knowledge. Knitters need to be comfortable with basic stitches (knit and purl) to work garter stitch and moss stitch, and should be familiar with simple color changes. The straightforward construction and lack of complex shaping make this an ideal first shawl project.