Flowers of Traken

Flowers of Traken Knitted Shawl by Atalante

What is Being Made

Flowers of Traken is a crescent-shaped knitted shawl featuring a large flower and fan border design. This intermediate-level knitting project is inspired by the Doctor Who episode "The Keeper of Traken," drawing its name from a peaceful planet where the Doctor encounters a girl bringing flowers to a statue. The finished shawl measures 115cm x 40cm (42 inches x 15 inches) in the primary size, with a larger option available at 145cm x 50cm (57 inches x 20 inches).

Construction and Techniques

The shawl is knitted from the top-down, beginning at the crown and progressing toward the decorative border that concludes the project. This top-down construction method allows knitters to easily customize the final size by continuing to work additional pattern repeats before binding off. The crescent shape and structured border create a sophisticated silhouette suitable for various styling options.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the foundation fabric, worked at a gauge of 24 stitches by 43 rows over a 10cm (4-inch) square. The design incorporates fan stitches and floral motifs within the border section, creating visual interest through strategic increases and decreases that form the characteristic flower and fan pattern details.

Materials and Tools Required

• Yarn: 285 meters (311 yards) of cobweb weight yarn for the smaller size; the pattern notes that thicker yarn works as well but requires additional yardage
• Needles: 3.0mm (US 2) circular needle, 60cm (24 inches) or longer
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, smooth string or blocking wires for shaping, and rust-proof pins for securing the shawl during blocking

Yarn Weight and Fiber Characteristics

This pattern is designed for cobweb weight yarn, one of the finest yarn weights available in knitting. Cobweb yarn creates delicate, lacy fabric with excellent drape, making it ideal for shawl construction. The lightweight nature of cobweb yarn allows the knitter to work with relatively modest yardage while achieving generous finished dimensions, and the resulting fabric has an ethereal quality perfect for the floral-inspired design.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern assumes knitters have solid foundational skills including working with circular needles, reading pattern charts, managing increases and decreases, and understanding shaping techniques. The lace elements and fan stitches require attention to detail and pattern awareness, making this project suitable for knitters ready to move beyond basic garment construction.