Swans Island Axis Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Axis Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Axis Shawl is a triangular shawl designed to be knitted side to side on the bias. This versatile piece measures 65 inches in length and 18 inches in width, making it large enough to cover the shoulders while remaining lightweight enough to serve as an alternative to a traditional scarf. The shawl's modern design suits all seasons and works as both a functional wrap and a stylish accessory.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs stripes and worked flat construction methods, making it accessible to knitters of all skill levels, including novices. The shawl is worked in two colors using plain and stripe garter stitch combined with slip stitch pattern for added textural interest. The two-color approach creates visual depth while the slip stitch technique adds dimension to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The Axis Shawl incorporates fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginners:

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch structure in both plain and striped sections
• Slip stitch – used for textural patterning throughout the design
• Knit stitch (k) – the basic building block
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches
• Increases – M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left) for shaping the triangular form
• Knit front and back (kfb) – alternative increase method
• Decreases (dec) – for shaping control

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Axis Shawl pattern calls for fingeringweight yarn in two coordinating colors. The main color is Swans Island Natural Colors 100% Organic Merino Wool (shown in Charcoal, YF113), with one skein required at 100 grams and 525 yards. The contrast color is Swans Island Pure Blends 85% Organic Merino Wool and 15% Alpaca (shown in Seasmoke, YF121), also one skein at 100 grams and 525 yards.

Knitting needles required are US size 3 (3.25 mm) or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional supplies include removable stitch markers and a yarn needle for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 6¾ stitches by 11¼ rows per inch in garter stitch, and 6¾ stitches by 12¼ rows per inch on charted pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to achieve the intended finished dimensions. The shawl is offered in one size only.

Pattern Details

Designed by Paulina Popiolek, this EASY level pattern is structured for straightforward construction. The instructions include specific notes on managing the two-color work: when changing colors during the striped sections, the unused color is carried along the side edge rather than cut, reducing ends to weave in. Removable stitch markers are placed on both left and right side edges to track increases, shifting markers every 8 rows and every 4 rows respectively to maintain clarity throughout the project.