Tahki Yarns Cascade Knitting Pattern

Cascade Shawl by Harriet Elliot

What Is Being Made

The Cascade is a knitted shawl and wrap designed by Harriet Elliot for Tahki Yarns. This is a generous, triangular-shaped wrap that measures 83 inches at its widest point and 17 inches in length (excluding fringe), making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping. The shawl features decorative fringe along its unshaped edges, adding movement and visual interest to the finished piece.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Cascade is worked flat in a seamless, bottom-up construction using two distinct sections. The shawl begins with Section A, which is worked from a small cast-on of just 3 stitches. This section is built using strategic increases that shape the piece into a triangular form. After completing Section A, stitches are picked up along the shaped edge to begin Section B, which is then worked with decreases that taper the shawl to its finished dimensions. This two-section approach creates a sophisticated construction that allows for the characteristic triangular silhouette.

The shawl incorporates horizontal stripe patterning throughout, which adds visual depth and breaks up the fabric. The striping technique uses alternating colors worked in distinct row counts per section, creating a rhythmic color pattern that enhances the overall design.

Stitches Used

This pattern uses primarily Garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a dense, textured fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides, making it an ideal choice for wraps and shawls as it provides warmth and drape. The pattern incorporates two variations of Garter stitch striping:

• Section A Garter Stripes: Worked by alternating 10 rows of color B with 2 rows of color A
• Section B Garter Stripes: Worked by alternating 6 rows of color A with 2 rows of color B

Shaping is achieved through basic knitting techniques: Make 1 (M1) increases are used in Section A to expand the width gradually, while knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases are used in Section B to taper the piece. The pattern also employs slip-stitch edge stitches worked purlwise, which creates a neat, finished selvage along the sides.

Materials and Specifications

The Cascade calls for Tahki Yarns COTTON CLASSIC, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. A total of 8 skeins are required: 4 skeins in color #3928 light lavender (color A) and 4 skeins in color #3006 light silver (color B). Each skein contains 1.75 ounces and yields 108 yards, providing ample yardage for the generous wrap dimensions.

The pattern is worked on size 7 (4.5mm) needles, which are paired with the cotton yarn to achieve a gauge of 18 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches in Garter stitch. An H-8 (5mm) crochet hook is used for attaching the fringe, and a yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends. The fringe is created from 471 strands of color A, each measuring 10 inches in length, with 157 sets of fringe (using 3 strands per set) attached along the unshaped edges.

Difficulty Level and Finished Dimensions

This pattern is rated as Easy, making it accessible to knitters with basic skills. The straightforward stitch work and simple shaping make it an excellent project for those looking to create a polished accessory without complex techniques. The pattern is available in one size only, with finished measurements of 83 inches wide at the widest point and 17 inches in length, both excluding the decorative fringe.