Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Leigh Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Leigh Shawl

What is Being Made

The Leigh Shawl is a knitted wrap designed by Susan Baron that measures 35 inches square. This project creates a versatile shawlette suitable for wrapping around the shoulders or wearing as a decorative accessory. The finished piece is worked in a modular construction method, meaning it is built from individual squares that connect together to form the complete wrap.

Construction and Techniques

The Leigh Shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure:

• Seamless construction: The shawl is worked without seams, with each new square picking up stitches from the previous square to create a unified, continuous fabric.
• Modular design: The wrap is constructed from multiple squares worked individually. One side of each square is created by picking up stitches from the previous square, while stitches are cast on to create the perpendicular side, allowing the squares to connect seamlessly.
• Mitered corners: Each square features a centered double decrease at the center of each right-side row, which creates the characteristic 90-degree angles that define the mitered square construction.
• Striped colorwork: The pattern incorporates color changes across the squares, with four distinct colors used throughout the design to create visual interest and definition between sections.
• Worked flat: The shawl is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, making it accessible to knitters of all skill levels.

Stitches Used

The Leigh Shawl uses fundamental knitting stitches that create texture and structure:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the squares, creating a smooth, classic fabric surface.
• Reverse Stockinette stitch: Used in sections to create visual contrast and textural variation within the design.
• Knit and purl rows: Alternating knit and purl rows are worked in combination to line up with the previous square and maintain the modular construction.
• S2kp (slip 2 stitches together knitwise, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over): This centered double decrease is the signature stitch used to create the mitered corners at the center of each right-side row, decreasing 2 stitches per decrease row.
• Knitted cast-on: Used to cast on stitches for the perpendicular sides of each square, creating new stitches by knitting into the rightmost stitch on the left-hand needle while leaving existing stitches in place.

Materials and Gauge

The Leigh Shawl is designed to be worked with luxury yarn and appropriate needles:

• Yarn: The pattern calls for Stacy Charles LUNA EFFECTS, a blend of 70% super kid mohair and 30% silk. Four balls are required, one in each of the following colors: #103 fireglow (A), #106 seafoam (B), #108 vineyard (C), and #105 horizons (D). Each ball contains 0.88 ounces (25 grams) and provides 232 yards (212.5 meters) of yardage.
• Needles: One US size 8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches is required, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge.
• Notions: A locking stitch marker is essential for tracking the center stitch throughout the construction, and a yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is recommended to ensure the finished shawl meets the intended measurements.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Easy, making it an excellent project for knitters new to modular construction or those seeking a straightforward wrap pattern. The use of basic stitches and clear construction methods ensures accessibility while the luxury yarn and color changes create an elegant finished piece.