Trickle Shawl

Trickle Shawl by Jennifer Lassonde

What Is Being Made

The Trickle Shawl is a heart-shaped knitted shawl designed by Jennifer Lassonde. This beginner-friendly accessory features a distinctive heart silhouette that measures 16 inches deep from the cast-on edge to the bottom point. The shawl is constructed using straightforward increases worked evenly throughout, making it an accessible project for knitters new to shawl construction.

Design and Construction Details

One of the most appealing aspects of the Trickle Shawl is its flexibility and ease of customization. The pattern does not require a specific stitch count, allowing knitters to easily modify the finished size based on the amount of yarn available. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for stash-busting or working with yarn quantities that may vary. The shawl is also notable for containing no purl stitches, which simplifies the knitting process and makes it particularly suitable for beginners.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the shawl, created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and is one of the most fundamental knitting techniques.
• Yarn Overs (YO): Used to create decorative increases and lacy details that contribute to the shawl's visual interest.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A decrease technique that shapes the shawl and works in conjunction with yarn overs.
• Slipped Stitches: Simple slipped stitch details run down the center of the shawl, adding a refined decorative element. All slipped stitches in this pattern are slipped purlwise with yarn in front.
• Drop the Yarn Over (DYO): A specialty technique used to create intentional dropped stitches for textural effect.
• Even Increases: The shawl relies on evenly distributed increases throughout the pattern to achieve its heart shape.

Materials and Gauge

The sample shawl was created using Infinite Twist Helix yarn in the Clear Water Colorway, requiring 146 grams or 438 yards total. The yarn weight is DK (double knit), a lightweight yarn that works beautifully for shawls and drapes elegantly.

Construction requires US 8 (4.5mm) circular needles with a cord length of at least 32 inches. Circular needles accommodate the increasing number of stitches as the shawl grows from the center outward. The gauge in garter stitch is 16 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm), which helps determine the finished dimensions and drape of the completed shawl.

Notions and Tools

Essential notions for completing the Trickle Shawl include 12 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking pins for finishing. Optional removable stitch markers (2-4) can be helpful for tracking progress or marking specific sections during knitting.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner level pattern, the Trickle Shawl is an ideal introduction to shawl knitting. The absence of purl stitches, straightforward stitch techniques, and flexible construction make it accessible to knitters who are new to this garment category while still offering enough visual interest to engage more experienced crafters.