Unfolding shawl

Unfolding Shawl by Sari Nordlund

What is Being Made

The Unfolding shawl is a triangular knitted shawl designed by Sari Nordlund. This downloadable knitting pattern features a unique construction method that begins at the wider side and progresses toward the peak, creating a garment that becomes progressively easier to knit as the project develops.

Design and Construction Method

The shawl employs a top-down triangular construction approach, similar to yoke-down sweater construction. By starting with the widest section of the triangle, the most complex knitting work is completed first. As the shawl grows, the rows become progressively shorter and quicker to knit, making the later stages of the project feel like "smooth sailing." This thoughtful design approach makes the pattern suitable for intermediate-level knitters who want a satisfying progression from challenging to relaxing work.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Unfolding shawl incorporates several distinct stitch patterns and techniques throughout its construction:

• Twisted Rib: The shawl begins with a twisted rib section at the widest edge, providing structure and definition to the starting edge.
• Triangular Motif Lace: Following the twisted rib, a lace section features triangular motifs designed to be beginner-friendly, making this intermediate pattern accessible to knitters new to lace work.
• Fan Lace: Integrated into the early lace sections, fan lace patterns add visual interest and delicate openwork.
• Elongated Garter Stitch: The latter portion of the shawl is knitted in elongated garter stitch, which creates a smooth, relaxing knitting experience during the final stages.
• Eyelet Lace Stripes: Stripes of eyelet lace are worked into the elongated garter stitch sections, adding subtle texture and openwork detail to the body of the shawl.

Materials and Yarn Weight

This pattern is designed for lace weight yarn, which creates delicate, flowing fabric ideal for shawl construction. The yarn specified in the pattern is Garthenor. Knitters will need appropriate needles for lace weight yarn to achieve the intended fabric drape and stitch definition throughout the various pattern sections.

Skill Level

The Unfolding shawl is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern. While the lace sections are described as beginner-friendly, the overall pattern requires intermediate knitting skills to manage the construction method, multiple stitch patterns, and the coordination of increases and decreases inherent to triangular shawl design.