We're Making Waffles

We're Making Waffles Knit Shawl by Pam Grushkin

What Is Being Made

We're Making Waffles is an intermediate-level knit shawl designed by independent designer Pam Grushkin. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a triangular shawl with a generous wingspan of 88 inches (223.5 centimeters) and a depth of 16 inches (40.6 centimeters) when blocked. The finished piece features a striking three-color colorwork design that creates a waffle-like textured appearance, making it an eye-catching accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a wrap.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This shawl pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The construction uses garter stitch as the primary stitch base, which creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges that contribute to the waffle-like visual effect. The pattern incorporates essential shaping techniques including:

• Knit stitches (K) for the foundational fabric structure
• Yarn overs (Yo) to create decorative lace elements and increase stitches
• Knit two together (K2tog) decreases for shaping the triangular silhouette
• Knit front and back (Kfb) increases for expanding the shawl width
• Purl stitches (P) for textural variation
• Slip stitches (Sl) for edge definition and stitch management

The pattern utilizes three-color colorwork with a variegated main color and two coordinating contrast colors, requiring attention to color changes and yarn management throughout the knitting process. Techniques include working with yarn positioned in front (Wyif) and in back (Wyib) for precise color placement and stitch definition.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The We're Making Waffles shawl is worked using 4-ply yarn weight, specifically Knits4Comfort Simple Sock Yarn, which contains 75% Merino Superwash and 25% Nylon. This fiber blend offers durability and easy care through superwash treatment, making the finished shawl practical for regular wear and washing. The yarn provides 231 yards per 50-gram skein.

The pattern calls for three distinct colorways:

• Variegated Color (VC): Sand n'Shells variegated colorway as the primary yarn
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Turquoise for secondary colorwork elements
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Lilac for tertiary colorwork accents

Knitting is worked on US #4/3.5mm circular needles measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) in length, or a size adjusted to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern requires basic notions including a locking stitch marker or safety pin for marking rows and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern establishes a gauge of 24 stitches and 54 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured in unblocked garter stitch on US #4/3.5mm needles. The pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this design; however, variations in gauge will affect both the final dimensions and total yardage required. This flexibility makes the pattern accessible to knitters with slightly different tension or those substituting alternative yarns.

Difficulty Level

We're Making Waffles is rated as an intermediate knitting project, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle color changes and more complex stitch sequences. The pattern assumes familiarity with basic knitting abbreviations and standard techniques while introducing the additional challenge of managing multiple yarn colors throughout the construction.