Mariola

Mariola Shawl by FadenStille

What is Being Made

Mariola is a reversible crescent-shaped shawl designed by FadenStille. The shawl is constructed with increases worked at both edges throughout the pattern, creating its distinctive crescent silhouette. This design is available in two sizes: S and M, making it adaptable for different preferences and yarn quantities.

Knitting Techniques

The Mariola shawl employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create visual interest and structure:

• Increases at edges: Three increases are worked at both the left and right edges of the shawl throughout the pattern, which gradually expand the crescent shape
• Yarn overs: Decorative yarn overs are incorporated into the design and are worked as purls when encountered on right-side rows
• Twisted stitches: Right-leaning twisted stitches worked on wrong-side rows are subsequently worked as left-leaning twisted stitches on the following right-side row, creating a textured effect
• Directional chart reading: The pattern uses charts that must be read from bottom to top, with odd-numbered rows (wrong-side rows) read from right to left and even-numbered rows (right-side rows) read from left to right

Stitches Used

The shawl incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative elements. Edge stitches are consistently worked as knit stitches on both wrong-side and right-side rows to create clean, finished edges. Yarn overs serve as both functional increases and decorative design elements throughout the pattern, particularly visible in the charted sections.

Materials and Yarn Weight

Mariola is designed for fingering-weight yarn with a yardage of 400 to 425 meters per 100 grams. The original yarn specified is Mondlichtgarne, a blend of 75% merino wool (Schurwolle) and 25% polyester with a yardage of 425 meters per 100 grams. For size S, one skein of 420 meters is sufficient to complete the project. Standard knitting needles appropriate for fingering-weight yarn are required to work this pattern.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is presented in chart format, with detailed written instructions accompanying the charted sections. The reversible nature of the shawl means both sides are visually appealing, making it versatile for styling. The intermediate difficulty level reflects the combination of chart reading, twisted stitches, and directional increases required to complete the design successfully.