Walking in Shade

Walking in Shade Knitted Shawl by Anne Hanson

What is Being Made

Walking in Shade is an asymmetrical knitted shawl designed by Anne Hanson, available in two distinct sizes: Petite and Tall. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a large, lightweight shawl suitable for multiple styling and draping options. The asymmetrical design and generous dimensions make it versatile for various wearing methods and occasions.

Design and Construction Method

This shawl is worked side to side, meaning you knit from one edge to the opposite edge rather than from the center outward or top to bottom. This construction method contributes to the shawl's unique draping characteristics and the intentional off-kilter progression of its striping pattern. The side-to-side approach allows the final fabric to naturally fall into elegant folds without requiring extensive blocking or manipulation.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern features alternating bands of two primary stitch patterns:

• Garter stitch – a fundamental knitting stitch created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges
• Simple-to-work lace mesh – an openwork lace pattern that creates decorative holes and visual interest while remaining accessible to beginner-level knitters

The alternation between these solid and open stitch patterns creates visual rhythm and contributes to the shawl's lightweight drape. The lace mesh sections add airiness and elegance, while the garter stitch bands provide structure and definition.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed for fingering weight yarn (4-ply), which is a lightweight yarn that creates delicate, finely-detailed fabric. The pattern demonstrates versatility through the featured samples:

• Bare Naked Wools Stone Soup Fingering in color Pumice
• Cornbread and Honey Merino/Silk 4-ply in color Frosted Rose
• Bare Naked Wools Better Breakfast Fingering in colors Porridge, Waffle, and Sugarfrost

The designer notes that while the pattern is shown in fingering weight, it can be adapted to any yarn weight with appropriate adjustments to needle size. Yarn substitution and needle changes will result in variations to the overall finished size, drape characteristics, and total yarn yardage required.

Color and Customization Options

Walking in Shade is designed to work with any combination of natural shades and/or colors, offering significant creative flexibility. The pattern's striped construction naturally accommodates color changes between the alternating bands, allowing knitters to create personalized colorways. The asymmetrical striping pattern is intentionally designed to work harmoniously regardless of specific color choices selected.

Size Options and Adjustability

Two finished sizes are provided: Petite and Tall. Beyond these two options, the pattern notes that size is easily adjustable, allowing knitters to customize the finished dimensions to their preferences. This flexibility makes the pattern suitable for a wide range of body types and personal draping preferences.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. The use of simple-to-work lace mesh and straightforward garter stitch, combined with the side-to-side construction method, provides an excellent introduction to shawl knitting without overwhelming complexity.