Zenaura

Zenaura Sideways Knit Shawl by Åsa Tricosa

What is Being Made

Zenaura is a sophisticated shawl design offered in two sizes: a full Shawl measuring 170 cm x 50 cm (67" x 20") in worsted weight, and a smaller Shawlette measuring 150 cm x 43 cm (60" x 17") in sport weight. This knit shawl is constructed as a single continuous piece, worked sideways from one end to the other, creating a flowing triangular or crescent silhouette perfect for layering or elegant draping.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Zenaura shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques that create visual interest and textural variation throughout the piece. The design alternates between plain stockinette sections and intricate short-rowed mesh sections, allowing the knitter to develop skill with directional shaping while maintaining an engaging rhythm. The edging and border are knit along as you go, meaning they are integrated into the main fabric rather than picked up afterward, and these edge elements repeat over only 4 rows, making them manageable despite their decorative impact. Short-rowing—the technique of turning the work before completing a full row—creates the mesh sections and adds dimension without requiring complex color work or excessive yardage.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch throughout most of the shawl is stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit fabric that provides a smooth, elegant base. The defining feature is the mesh pattern, which uses a 4-stitch-by-8-row repeat structure; however, because the pattern is staggered across rows, the effective repeat is simplified to just 2 rows in practice, making it less daunting than the full repeat might suggest. This clever construction allows intermediate knitters to work a sophisticated-looking mesh without constant pattern consultation. The pattern includes both charted instructions and written-out row-by-row directions, accommodating different learning preferences and allowing knitters to choose their preferred method of following the pattern.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern provides specific yardage requirements tailored to each size and weight. For the full Shawl in worsted weight, 430 meters (470 yards) is required, while the Shawlette in sport weight needs 365 meters (399 yards). The designer's sample uses Sanguine Gryphon Codex in worsted weight—a silk and wool blend offering 113 grams and 214 meters per 100 grams—for the larger size, and Fyberspates Faery Wings in 4-ply/sport weight—a silk, mohair, and nylon blend providing 100 grams and 365 meters—for the smaller version. The pattern notes that while these specific yarns were used for the samples, any yarn in the specified weight categories will work, offering flexibility for yarn substitution. Optional embellishment includes 120 tear-drop or dagger beads for the full Shawl or 110 beads for the Shawlette, which can be added to the edging for additional sparkle and movement.

Pattern Features and Flexibility

The pattern is written with precision, providing both charted and written instructions for two distinct sizes. Notably, the designer indicates that variations are both possible and easy to execute, empowering intermediate knitters to customize the design. The sideways construction method offers inherent flexibility, as knitters can adjust length by continuing to work additional pattern repeats, or modify width by adjusting stitch counts—making this pattern adaptable to personal preference or yarn availability.