Sweet Hearts

Sweet Hearts Knit Shawl by Kelly Spenhoff

Project Overview

Sweet Hearts is an intermediate-level knit shawl designed by Kelly Spenhoff. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a triangular shawl measuring 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) wide and 52 inches (132 cm) long, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wrapping. The shawl is worked in one size and features colorwork elements that create a charming heart motif.

Knitting Techniques and Skills

This pattern requires intermediate knitting experience and incorporates several important techniques. Knitters will practice knitting into a stitch below, a technique that adds texture and visual interest to the fabric. The pattern also requires proficiency with grafting using the Kitchener stitch, a seamless joining method that creates a professional finish when binding off or connecting sections of knitting. These skills elevate the project beyond beginner level while remaining accessible to knitters with some experience.

Stitches and Construction

The primary stitch used throughout Sweet Hearts is garter stitch, which creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. Garter stitch is worked by knitting every row on both the right side and wrong side, making it ideal for shawls as it lies flat and drapes beautifully. The colorwork is integrated into the garter stitch base, allowing the heart design to emerge through strategic color changes and stitch manipulation.

Yarn and Materials

Sweet Hearts is designed to work with 4-ply yarn weight, which provides excellent stitch definition for the colorwork details. The pattern calls for two primary yarn components:

• Main Color (MC): Cornbread and Honey Light Sock yarn in the colorway My Unicorn is Better Than Yours (75% merino, 25% nylon blend; 463 yards per 100 grams). Two skeins totaling 926 yards are required for the shawl base.
• Accent Colors: Knit Picks Palette yarn (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 231 yards per 50 grams) in six coordinating colors—Rouge (pink, Color A), White (Color B), Custard (yellow, Color C), Aster (purple, Color D), Tranquil (green, Color E), and Kumquat Heather (orange, Color F)—with 15 yards of each color needed for the heart motifs.

Needles and Notions

The pattern specifies US 6 needles, with flexibility in needle type—either circular or straight needles of any length will work effectively. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and grafting, plus a stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The recommended gauge is 23 stitches and 28 rows in 4 inches (10 cm) worked in garter stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished shawl to measure the intended dimensions and for the heart motifs to display correctly. The pattern is offered in one size, making it a straightforward project without sizing options to consider.

Pattern Features

The Sweet Hearts shawl combines the warmth and softness of merino wool with the durability of nylon in the main yarn, while the accent colors feature pure Peruvian Highland Wool for a luxurious feel. The heart design elements add a playful, romantic touch to this practical accessory. The combination of garter stitch simplicity with colorwork complexity makes this an engaging project for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills while creating a wearable, gift-worthy finished piece.