Two Steps Forward Shawl

Two Steps Forward Shawl by Afifa Knits Designs

Project Overview

The Two Steps Forward Shawl is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a stunning triangular wrap with a distinctive stepped edge detail. This shawl is knit from tip to tip, meaning you begin with a small number of stitches at the center point and gradually increase outward to achieve the final wingspan. The construction method produces a reversible design where both sides display equal beauty, making this a versatile accessory suitable for various styling preferences.

What Is Being Made

This is a triangular shawl with a generous wingspan of approximately 72 inches and a depth of 17 inches after blocking. The shawl features a step-like effect along the bottom edge created through strategic double increases and decreases worked throughout the pattern. The reversible mesh-like lace pattern ensures that either side can be worn as the finished face of the garment, providing flexibility in how the wearer chooses to display the design.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Tip-to-tip construction: The shawl is worked from a small cast-on at the center point, expanding outward with increases on each row to create the triangular shape
• Double increases and decreases: These shaping techniques create the distinctive stepped pattern along the bottom edge of the shawl
• Lace pattern work: A reversible mesh-like lace pattern is incorporated throughout, requiring attention to yarn overs and decreases to create the openwork design
• Slip stitch edge finish: Slip stitches worked with yarn forward (wyif) create a neat, finished edge along the sides
• Blocking: The finished shawl requires blocking to achieve the stated dimensions and to fully open up the lace pattern

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k): The foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• Slip stitch (sl1wyif): Worked with yarn in front to create a finished edge
• Yarn overs (yo): Used to create the mesh-like lace openings
• Decreases: Used in combination with increases to shape the shawl and create the step pattern
• Garter stitch: The primary stitch pattern used in sections of the shawl

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Approximately 400 yards of fingering weight yarn is required. The sample shown was knit using Anzula Lunaris in the Blueberry colorway, which is composed of 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, and 5% stellina. This blend provides softness, durability, and a subtle sparkle to the finished shawl.

Needles: US size 5 (3.75mm) needles are used for this project. The needle size works with the fingering weight yarn to achieve the correct gauge.

Notions: A tapestry needle is required for weaving in ends after the shawl is completed.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 30 stitches by 40 rows equals 4 inches in garter stitch on US size 5 needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the shawl to reach the intended finished dimensions of 72 inches wingspan and 17 inches depth after blocking.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with lace patterns and shaping increases and decreases. The reversible lace pattern requires attention to stitch placement, but the logical construction method makes it accessible to experienced beginners ready to advance their skills.