The Song Remains

The Song Remains Shawl by Helen Kennedy

What is Being Made

The Song Remains is an asymmetric triangle shawl designed by Helen Kennedy. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a versatile wrap-style shawl that works beautifully as a finished garment or accessory. The shawl is knitted sideways, beginning with just a few cast-on stitches and expanding gradually to create the distinctive triangular silhouette.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level shawl employs a sideways construction method, which allows for creative shaping and makes it easier to achieve the asymmetric triangle design. The primary technique used throughout is garter stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. To add visual interest and create the shawl's signature pattern, slipped stitches are worked in rows throughout the design. These slipped stitches catch the light differently than knitted stitches, creating subtle texture and visual depth across the fabric. The shawl is finished with an i-cord bind off, which provides a neat, decorative edge that complements the asymmetric design.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (primary stitch throughout the shawl)
• Slipped stitches (worked in rows to create pattern definition)
• I-cord bind off (for the finished edge)

Yarn and Materials

The Song Remains is designed to work with two contrasting colors in sock weight yarn, allowing knitters to create striking visual effects through color blocking. The main color (MC) requires approximately 565 meters or 618 yards of sock weight yarn, while the contrasting color (CC) needs about 221 meters or 242 yards. The pattern is shown worked in Malabrigo sock yarn: Ochre for the main color and Eggplant for the contrasting color.

Color choice is crucial to the success of this design. Helen Kennedy emphasizes the importance of selecting colors with strong contrast—pairing light with dark or very different color families. This contrast ensures the slipped stitch pattern remains visible and striking. Complementary colors that share undertones should be avoided, as they will obscure the pattern work. Alternatively, a highly variegated yarn paired with a neutral solid creates an equally effective and visually interesting combination.

Knitting is worked on a 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needle, minimum 32 inches or 80 cm in length, or whatever size is needed to achieve the specified gauge. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends. The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches, ensuring consistent sizing and drape across finished shawls.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

This pattern accommodates both 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights, offering flexibility for knitters working with different yarn bases while maintaining the intended fabric characteristics. The intermediate difficulty level means the pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and reading pattern instructions, though the sideways construction and slipped stitch work make it an engaging project for developing skills.