Grand Junction Shawl

Grand Junction Shawl by Emily Wood

What Is Being Made

The Grand Junction Shawl is a large asymmetrical triangular wrap designed by Emily Wood. This finished shawl measures 75 inches (190.5 cm) long and 26.5 inches (67 cm) at its widest point, making it a versatile accessory that can be wrapped around the neck in multiple flattering ways. The shawl's design draws inspiration from textile traditions of the American Southwest, featuring a striking color palette and geometric construction.

Design and Colorwork

This advanced knitting project combines vivid turquoise, black, and rust-colored stripes with sections of geometric mosaic knitting. The colorwork creates a dynamic visual effect that reflects Southwestern textile aesthetics. The shawl uses four distinct colors from the Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend line: Natural (A), Terra Cotta (B), Tahiti (C), and Black (D), allowing knitters to create bold, contrasting sections throughout the piece.

Construction and Techniques

The Grand Junction Shawl employs a top-down construction method, beginning with just a few stitches at one tip and growing outward to create the asymmetrical triangular shape. This approach allows knitters to try on the shawl as it develops and adjust the final size if desired. The pattern incorporates geometric mosaic knitting techniques alongside striped colorwork sections, creating visual interest and texture variation throughout the design.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary stitch used throughout the shawl, creating a smooth, classic fabric base
• Mosaic Knitting – Geometric mosaic techniques are integrated into sections of the pattern for textural and visual complexity

Yarn and Materials

This project calls for Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend yarn, a premium fiber blend combining 70% extra fine merino wool with 30% silk. This blend provides both warmth and elegant drape, ideal for a large wrap. The yarn is worked at a DK weight (150 yards per 50 grams). The pattern requires a total of 6 skeins: 2 skeins each in Natural and Terra Cotta, 1 skein in Tahiti, and 1 skein in Black. Exact yardage needed may vary depending on gauge and final sizing choices.

Needles and Gauge

The Grand Junction Shawl is worked on US size 6 (4 mm) and US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles, with a recommended length of 40 inches (100 cm) or longer to accommodate the growing stitches. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 21 stitches by 32 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch on the smaller needles after blocking. The pattern notes that exact gauge is not critical; however, gauge will affect both the finished size of the shawl and the total amount of yarn required to complete the project.

Skill Level

Rated as an advanced knitting project, the Grand Junction Shawl is best suited for experienced knitters comfortable with colorwork techniques, mosaic knitting, and managing multiple yarn colors throughout a large garment. The combination of striped sections and geometric mosaic patterns requires attention to pattern reading and color changes.

Finishing

The completed shawl should be blocked to achieve the proper gauge and final dimensions. Blocking helps even out the stitches, sets the colorwork, and allows the silk-merino blend to drape beautifully. A yarn needle is the only additional notions required to weave in ends after completion.