Waffles in February

Waffles in February Shawl by Meiju Kallio

What Is Being Made

Waffles in February is a top-down crescent-shaped shawl designed by Meiju Kallio. This knitted accessory features a subtle curved silhouette created through strategic increases worked throughout the piece. The shawl combines two yarn colors—a main color (MC) and a contrasting tart color (CC)—to create visual interest while maintaining a beginner-friendly construction method.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level crafters. The shawl is constructed from the top down, a method that allows knitters to try on the piece as it grows and adjust the final size by simply binding off when the desired dimensions are reached. The pattern uses a strategic increase system to shape the crescent form: two increases are worked on every wrong-side (WS) row—one at each edge—while four increases are worked on every right-side (RS) row, with increases positioned at each edge and on both sides of the middle stitch. This creates the characteristic shawl silhouette while maintaining structural balance.

Stitches Used

The stitch pattern combines Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, which creates a smooth, classic appearance. Garter stitch is incorporated throughout the design, providing textural contrast and structural definition. A 3-stitch garter border in the main color frames the edges, while drop stitch details add visual texture and interest to the finished piece. The pattern is worked in single-color rows, meaning you work with only one color per row, simplifying color changes and making the pattern accessible for beginners.

Materials and Tools

Waffles in February requires approximately one skein of soft merino yarn in the main color and 0.5 skein in the contrasting tart color. The yarn weight is 4-ply, a medium-weight yarn that knits to a comfortable drape suitable for shawl construction. Needles required are US 6 (4 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm), which accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a stitch marker to track pattern repeats and the center stitch.

Important note: The pattern specifications are based on the exact yarn quantities provided in the materials list. If your gauge differs from the pattern's intended gauge, yarn may run out before completion. Knitters should prepare with additional yarn as a safety measure, especially if their tension varies from standard specifications.

Difficulty Level

This shawl is rated as a beginner project, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to shawl construction or those developing their fundamental skills. The straightforward stitch combinations, simple color work, and logical increase pattern create a manageable learning project while producing a sophisticated, wearable finished piece.