The Owl

The Owl Shawl by Nickiknitz Designs

What Is Being Made

The Owl is a Faroese shaped shawl designed by Nickiknitz Designs. This top-down knit shawl features a distinctive construction combining a center lace panel with two wings, creating an elegant and intricate finished garment. The shawl is completed with a knitted-on lace border that frames the entire piece.

Construction and Technique

The Owl employs a unique construction method that sets it apart from standard shawl patterns. Rather than working from a single chart, this shawl is constructed by knitting from two separate charts simultaneously. This dual-chart approach requires careful attention to pattern instructions before beginning, as the center lace panel and the two wings must be worked in coordination with one another.

The pattern includes detailed notes throughout to guide knitters on their progress within each chart, helping prevent misalignment of the shawl body. Stitch count checkpoints are provided at the end of each chart section, allowing knitters to verify their work as they progress. This attention to construction detail ensures the final shawl maintains proper proportions and alignment.

The shawl is worked from the top down, a construction method that allows for flexible finishing and easier adjustments as needed. The knitted-on lace border is added after the main body is complete, providing a refined edge to the finished piece.

Stitches and Lace Work

The Owl features lace stitch patterns throughout, with the center panel and wings both incorporating openwork elements characteristic of Faroese shawl design. The knitted-on border adds another layer of lace detail, creating visual interest and dimension.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed for cobweb, lace, or thread weight yarns, which create the delicate, flowing fabric typical of fine shawls. Fingering weight yarn may be substituted, though this substitution requires substantially more yardage to complete the project.

Knitters should note that gauge is not critical for this shawl project, as is typical with shawl patterns. However, those who choose not to knit a gauge swatch should plan for extra yarn to ensure they have sufficient yardage to complete all sections.

Needles required: US 4 (3.5 mm) needles or the size needed to obtain gauge. A circular needle with a recommended cord length of 32 inches minimum is necessary to accommodate the shawl's width as it expands during construction.

Difficulty Level

The Owl is classified as an advanced pattern. While the pattern itself is not considered difficult in terms of stitch complexity, the unique construction method involving simultaneous work on two charts requires experienced knitters who are comfortable following detailed instructions and managing multiple pattern elements concurrently.

Pattern Format

The Owl is available as a downloadable PDF pattern from Nickiknitz Designs, making it convenient for digital access and printing for reference while working.