Leave-Me-Not shawl

Leave-Me-Not Shawl by Myla Vayner

What Is Being Made

The Leave-Me-Not shawl is a knitted accessory designed by Lyudmyla Vayner of Myla's Knit Corner. This shawl measures 15 inches wide by 50 inches long (or can be customized to your desired length), making it a versatile wrap suitable for layering or draping. The finished dimensions create an elegant, elongated shawl perfect for adding warmth and style to any outfit.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a knitting project worked with needles rather than a crochet hook. The pattern uses fundamental knitting techniques combined with decorative stitch work to create texture and visual interest throughout the shawl. The design is classified as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore patterned work with moderate complexity.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Leave-Me-Not shawl incorporates the following essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) – the foundational stitches that form the base of all knitted fabric
• Yarn over (yo) – a technique that creates decorative holes and lace-like openings in the fabric
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) – a decrease worked on the purl side
• Knit 2 together through the back loops (k2togtbl) – a left-leaning decrease variation
• Purl 2 together through the back loops (p2togtbl) – a purl-side decrease variation
• Slip (sl) – moving stitches from one needle to another without working them
• Cast on (CO) and bind off (BO) – techniques for beginning and finishing the knitted piece

The pattern utilizes repeating stitch sequences marked with asterisks (***) throughout, allowing you to work the same combination of stitches multiple times to build the shawl's length and pattern structure. The combination of yarn overs and decreases creates an elegant lace or textured effect characteristic of shawl design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Leave-Me-Not shawl is worked in fingering weight yarn, also known as 4-ply yarn. The pattern requires approximately 850 yards of yarn, equivalent to about 2 skeins. The original design uses Madelinetosh tosh merino light yarn in the Silver Box colorway, which offers a luxurious merino blend ideal for shawls due to its softness and drape.

Needles and Gauge

This project calls for US size 2 (2.75 mm) needles, or whatever needle size is needed to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern gauge is 24 stitches by 28 rows over a 4 x 4 inch square when worked in pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions and ensuring proper drape of the completed shawl.