That 70s Shawl

That 70s Shawl by Shannon Squire

Project Overview

That 70s Shawl is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Shannon Squire that invites crafters to create a stylish crescent-shaped shawl perfect for stash-diving into DK-weight yarns. This intermediate-level project combines two complementary speckled colorways with generous fringe detailing, resulting in a wearable accessory with authentic vintage flair. The pattern features a clever construction technique that ensures the top edge lies flatter than traditional crescent shawl designs, making it an excellent choice for knitters seeking both visual appeal and practical wearability.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a crescent-shaped shawl—a versatile garment that drapes beautifully around the shoulders and neck. The crescent silhouette is a timeless shawl shape that offers excellent coverage while remaining lightweight and packable. The finished piece features fringe along the edges, adding movement and a distinctly retro aesthetic inspired by 1970s fashion.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cable Cast-On: The pattern employs a cable cast-on method as the foundation for the shawl construction
• Applied I-Cord Bind Off: A specialized bind-off technique that creates a finished edge with an applied I-cord. This involves casting on 2 stitches, working knit 1 through the back loop, knit 2 together through the back loop, then slipping both stitches back to the left-hand needle and repeating until 2 stitches remain before binding off the final stitches
• Fringe Application: Fringe is added to the shawl for decorative detail and authentic 70s styling

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches including knit and purl stitches, with the applied I-cord bind off incorporating knit through the back loop and knit 2 together decreases for a refined finished edge. The specific stitch pattern details that create the shawl's texture and drape are contained within the full downloadable PDF pattern.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This project requires approximately 405 yards (370 meters) of DK-weight yarn. Shannon Squire's original design uses Hedgehog Fibres Merino DK in two complementary speckled colorways: Bollywood (Color A, 205 yards/187.5 meters) and Zephyr (Color B, 200 yards/183 meters). The use of two coordinating speckled colorways adds visual interest and depth to the finished shawl. Knitters will need appropriately sized needles for DK-weight yarn, and the pattern specifies using the cable cast-on method to begin the project.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, That 70s Shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more advanced techniques such as the applied I-cord bind off and shawl construction methods. The pattern assumes familiarity with basic knitting stitches and the ability to follow written pattern instructions.