Drifting

Drifting Shawl by Aspen Knits

Project Overview

Drifting is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Aspen Knits. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 56 inches (142 cm) wide by 20 inches (51 cm) deep, making it an ideal accessory for layering and draping. The design incorporates color work and strategic increases to build a graceful, flowing silhouette.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a triangular or crescent-shaped shawl worked from a small cast-on that expands through increases and color changes. The shawl is constructed using a combination of main color and contrasting color sections, creating visual interest and dimension in the finished piece. The generous finished dimensions make this shawl versatile for wearing as a wrap, shoulder piece, or decorative accessory.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Increases: The pattern employs make one right-leaning stitches (m1r and m1rp) to create strategic shaping and expansion throughout the garment
• Color Work: Two-color knitting using main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) creates pattern definition and visual contrast
• Stitch Markers: Placement markers (PM) and slip markers (SM) help track pattern sections and increases
• Yarn Overs: Yarn over (yo) stitches add decorative eyelets and contribute to the shawl's drape
• Basic Stitches: Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the pattern

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including K (knit), P (purl), yo (yarn over), m1r (make one right-leaning), m1rp (make one right-leaning by purling), p2tog (purl two together), sl (slip), SM (slip marker), PM (place marker), rep (repeat), st(s) (stitch/stitches), wyib (with yarn in back), and wyif (with yarn in front). These techniques create texture and shaping essential to the design.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for 400 to 460 yards (365 to 420 meters) of fingering weight main color yarn and 92 yards (84 meters) of fingering weight contrasting color yarn. The recommended yarn is Sew Happy Jane Fingering weight and Sew Happy Jane Tiny Poppers Mini Skein for the contrasting color section.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need US Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles, available in straight or circular needle formats with cable needle capability. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for finishing, stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, and a cable needle for any cable techniques incorporated in the pattern.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in section 1 pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential to ensure the finished shawl reaches the intended dimensions and that the contrasting color yarn quantity is sufficient for the design.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters have foundational skills including casting on, basic stitch work, and familiarity with increases and color changes. The combination of two-color knitting, strategic increases, and pattern tracking makes this suitable for knitters ready to expand beyond beginner projects.