Heliophysics

Heliophysics Circular Shawl by Meghan Jackson

What Is Being Made

Heliophysics is a customizable circular shawl designed by independent knitter Meghan Jackson. Inspired by heliophysics—the study of the sun—this shawl features a center-out construction that creates beautiful swirling patterns. The finished piece showcases spectacular results through rhythmic knitting and simple lace motifs that are enjoyable to execute despite the advanced skill level required.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a knitting project worked in the round from the centre outward. The center-out circular construction allows the shawl to expand organically, with each round building upon the previous to create the characteristic swirling effect. This method of working from the inside out is particularly effective for circular shawlettes and full shawls, as it allows knitters to customize the final size by simply continuing to knit additional rounds until reaching desired dimensions.

Stitches and Techniques

The shawl features simple lace motifs that repeat throughout the design. While the individual stitches are described as straightforward, the overall project is rated as advanced difficulty, suggesting that the complexity lies in managing the circular construction, stitch marker placement, and maintaining pattern consistency across multiple rounds rather than in executing difficult individual stitches.

Optional techniques include:

• Emily Ocker's Circular Cast-on (for beginning the center)
• Double-pointed needle usage for the initial small circumference rounds
• Bind-off techniques using larger needles for a more elastic edge

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for lace weight yarn, specifically Yummy Yarn Studio 80/20 BFL Silk Lace. The yarn composition is 80% BFL (Blue-Faced Leicester) and 20% silk, providing both structure and luxurious sheen. One skein contains 875 yards (800 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 ounces), which is sufficient to complete the shawl. The silk content adds a subtle gleam to the finished piece, complementing the lace pattern beautifully.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires:

• US #4 (3.5 mm) circular needles, 32 inches or longer—the primary needles for working the main shawl
• US #8 (5.0 mm) circular needles, 32 inches or longer—optional needles for the bind-off to create a more elastic edge
• US #4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles—optional for working the very beginning of the shawl when the circumference is too small for circular needles
• 3.5 mm crochet hook—optional for executing Emily Ocker's Circular Cast-on method
• Stitch markers (seven of one color, one of a contrasting color to mark the start of rounds)
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 5 stitches and 8 rows over 1 inch in stockinette stitch, measured on US #4 (3.5 mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this advanced project to ensure the shawl reaches the intended finished dimensions and drapes correctly.