Romantic Waves

Romantic Waves Knitted Shawl by Sandrine Audelin

What is Being Made

Romantic Waves is a knitted shawl design created by independent designer Sandrine Audelin. This elegant accessory features a finished size of 169 cm x 44 cm, making it a versatile wrap suitable for layering or draping. The design captures a romantic aesthetic through wave-inspired stitch patterns and thoughtful color work, combining three distinct yarn colors to create visual depth and movement throughout the piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This shawl pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques to create its wave-like structure. The design utilizes increases and decreases as primary shaping methods, which form the characteristic undulating patterns that give the shawl its name. Knitters will work with standard increases including M1 (make 1) and k1fb (knit 1 front and back) techniques, as well as k1fbf (knit 1 front, back, and front) for creating additional stitch volume. Decreases are achieved through k2tog (knit 2 together) and p2tog (purl 2 together) methods. The pattern incorporates both knit and purl stitches to develop textural contrast, with strategic use of slip stitches for refined edge finishing.

Stitches Featured

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch creating the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used to create textural variation and definition
• Knit front and back (k1fb) – an increase technique that doubles a stitch
• Knit front, back, and front (k1fbf) – an increase creating three stitches from one
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) – a decrease worked in purl
• Make 1 (M1) – an invisible increase method
• Slip stitch (sl) – used for edge definition and stitch manipulation

Materials and Tools

Romantic Waves is designed for fingering weight yarn, specifically a 4-ply construction. The pattern calls for US 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles, which provide the appropriate gauge for this delicate yarn weight while allowing for the shawl's extended length. The sample shown uses the Walk collection yarn, which is 100% wool, offering natural elasticity and drape essential for shawl construction.

The yarn requirements total approximately 360 meters across three coordinating colors: Color A (Ebony) requires 1 skein at 92 g / 332 m, Color B (Mika) requires 1 skein at 85 g / 306 m, and Color C (it's a girl) requires 1 skein at 28 g / 101 m. This color combination strategy allows knitters to create sophisticated color blocking or gradient effects. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing the completed shawl.

Design Notes

The Romantic Waves pattern represents a one-size design, making it accessible for knitters of varying experience levels seeking a finished project with defined dimensions. The interplay between wave-inspired stitch patterns and the romantic color palette creates a finished accessory suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.