Sard Shawl

Sard Shawl by Kavitha Raman

What is Being Made

The Sard Shawl is a fingering weight triangular shawl designed by Kavitha Raman. The name "Sard" comes from a Hindi word (pronounced /surdh/) meaning chill or cold, reflecting the shawl's suitability for cool weather. The design features a distinctive heart or slightly winged triangle shape, created through elongated tips that extend the classic triangular silhouette. This lightweight construction makes it ideal for layering during chilly evenings in late summer and early fall.

Construction Method

The Sard Shawl is constructed using a top-down approach, similar to traditional triangle shawl construction. The body combines simple stockinette stitch with mesh rows to create visual interest and maintain the lightweight character of the piece. A slipped stitch edge runs along the top line, providing a neat, finished appearance at the cast-on edge. The shawl is completed with a lacy decorative knitted-on border, which adds an elegant finishing touch and contributes to the overall delicate aesthetic.

Stitches and Techniques

• Stockinette stitch for the main body fabric
• Mesh rows interspersed throughout for texture and lightness
• Slipped stitch edge along the top edge for a polished finish
• Lacy knitted-on border as the decorative final element
• Top-down shaping to create the elongated triangle with winged tips

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sard Shawl is designed for fingering weight yarn, a lightweight yarn category ideal for creating delicate, drapable garments. The pattern is available in two sizes with different yardage requirements:

• Small size: 433 yards (396 meters)
• Large size: 760 yards (695 meters)

The sample shown was knitted using Henlia Handmade Lakeside collection in the colorway Lake Day Weather, which is 100% U.S. Cormo Fingering yarn. This natural fiber choice provides excellent drape and softness appropriate for a shawl worn close to the skin.

Finished Dimensions

• Small: 60" wingspan (152 cm) × 21.5" depth (55 cm)
• Large: 74" wingspan (188 cm) × 29" depth (74 cm)

Skill Level

The Sard Shawl is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. While the basic stitches used are relatively straightforward, the combination of shaping techniques, mesh pattern work, and the knitted-on border require intermediate knitting experience and attention to stitch counts and decreases.