Koigu Tri-Shawl Scarf Knitting Pattern

Koigu Tri-Shawl

What is Being Made

The Koigu Tri-Shawl is a versatile triangular wrap designed by Michaela Courtney. This seamless knit shawl features a repeating triangle pattern and can be worn as an oversized scarf or as a wrap. The finished dimensions are 17 inches by 52.5 inches, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Techniques Used

This shawl is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create its distinctive appearance and structure:

• Short rows with wrap and turn (w&t): The primary construction method that creates the repeating triangle pattern. Short rows are worked back and forth across the piece, with wraps placed at the turn points to prevent holes in the fabric.
• Stripes: The design incorporates color changes by alternating between three different yarn skeins. Each pair of rows uses a different color, with the skeins rotated every 2 rows to create depth in the variegated coloring.
• Worked flat: The shawl is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for the directional short-row construction.
• Garter stitch: The base stitch throughout the pattern, created by knitting every row. When working wrap and turn short rows in garter stitch, wrapped stitches are not picked up on subsequent rows; instead, the next row is knitted as normal.

Stitches Used

The Koigu Tri-Shawl is worked primarily in garter stitch, which creates a dense, textured fabric with excellent drape. The pattern also incorporates:

• Knit stitch (k): The primary stitch throughout
• Slip stitch (sl): Used purlwise with yarn in front for edge stitches and at specific points in the pattern
• Wrap and turn (w&t): A specialized short-row technique that creates the triangular shaping

Materials

The Koigu Tri-Shawl requires 10 skeins of Koigu KPPPM Pencil yarn, a 100% Merino Wool fiber. The total yardage is 870 yards (800 meters). Additional materials include:

• Size US 3 (3.25 mm) straight needles
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn tails
• Stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 29 stitches by 48 rows over 4 inches in the Winery colorway sample. The dense fabric created by this gauge and the Merino Wool yarn provides excellent drape, making the finished shawl suitable for wearing as either a wrap or an oversized scarf. After completing each triangle section, yarn tails from the previous two colors are trimmed to 3 inches and woven in later to finish the piece.