Winsome

Winsome Knit Shawl by Jennifer Wood

What is Being Made

Winsome is a top-down triangular shawl designed by Jennifer Wood, offering finished blocked measurements of 69 inches (175.5 cm) in wingspan and 30.5 inches (77.57 cm) in depth. This beginner-friendly knitting project creates an elegant, wearable accessory through a straightforward construction method that builds from the top point downward.

Construction and Technique

The shawl employs a top-down construction method with strategic increases positioned at each edge. This approach allows knitters to begin with a small number of stitches at the apex and gradually expand the piece outward, creating the triangular silhouette. The top-down technique provides flexibility in sizing, as knitters can easily adjust the final dimensions by working additional or fewer rows before binding off. This construction style is particularly suitable for beginner knitters, as it requires minimal shaping complexity and allows for straightforward stitch increases that are easy to track and execute.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in Winsome is Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance. The gauge for this project is 16 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in Stockinette Stitch and blocked. The pattern incorporates 8 stitch markers to help track the increase points and maintain pattern alignment throughout the knitting process, making it accessible for beginners who benefit from clear structural guides.

Materials and Yarn

Winsome is designed to showcase multiple yarn textures and colors from Emma's Yarn, combining two distinct yarn types in a sophisticated color palette:

• Emma's Yarn Beautifully Basic (100% super wash merino; 438 yards/400 meters per 100g skein): Used in three colors—Once Upon a Time (1 full skein), After Dark (300 yards/275 meters), and Himalayan Salt (360 yards/330 meters)
• Emma's Yarn Marvelous Mohair (72% Kid Mohair, 28% silk; 459 yards/420 meters per 50g skein): Featured in two colors—Himalayan Salt (1 full skein) and After Dark (360 yards/330 meters)

The combination of merino and mohair creates visual interest and textural variation within the shawl. The merino provides durability and softness, while the kid mohair and silk blend adds a luxurious, airy quality to select sections of the design.

Needles and Tools

This project requires Size 4 (3.5mm) needles, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge of 16 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches in blocked Stockinette Stitch. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion and 8 stitch markers to track increases and pattern structure throughout the knitting process.