Valley Yarns Diagonal Mesh Scarf And Shawl Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Diagonal Mesh Scarf and Shawl

What Is Being Made

This free knitting pattern from Valley Yarns offers two versatile designs in one: a diagonal mesh scarf measuring approximately 12" x 70" and a diagonal mesh shawl measuring approximately 20" x 70". Both pieces feature the same stitch pattern worked at different gauges, allowing knitters to choose between a narrower scarf or a wider wrap depending on their preference and yarn quantities available.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs lace knitting techniques combined with flat knitting construction. The defining technique throughout is the use of elongated stitches, which create the characteristic diagonal mesh effect. The elongated stitch technique involves wrapping the yarn around the needle twice for each stitch on the right-side rows, then dropping the extra loop on the return pass to create longer, more open stitches that produce the mesh appearance. This creates visual movement and texture while maintaining a relatively simple stitch structure suitable for intermediate knitters.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with the specialized elongated stitch technique:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl stitch (P) – used on wrong-side rows to create texture and definition
• Elongated stitch (E5, E4, E3, E2, E1) – the signature stitch created by wrapping yarn twice around the needle, then dropping the extra loop on the return row to form longer, open stitches that shift diagonally across the fabric

The pattern repeats a 24-row sequence that progressively shifts the position of the elongated stitches across the width, creating the diagonal mesh effect. The elongated stitches are worked in groups of varying sizes (from 1 to 5 stitches) and positioned at different points within each repeat, producing the dynamic diagonal movement characteristic of the design.

Materials and Tools

The scarf version requires 5 skeins of yarn, while the shawl version requires 8 skeins. The recommended yarn is Valley Yarns Goshen, a blend of 48% Peruvian cotton, 46% modal, and 6% silk. Each skein contains 92 yards and weighs 50 grams, offering a lightweight, breathable fiber composition ideal for scarves and wraps. The pattern calls for US size 8 needles, though knitters should use the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge of 4 stitches and 6 rows per inch in stockinette stitch. The pattern is worked flat, requiring straight needles or circular needles used in straight rows rather than in the round.

Pattern Details

Designed by Kirsten Hipsky, this pattern begins with a cast-on of 38 stitches for the scarf or 62 stitches for the shawl. The 24-row repeat is worked continuously until the piece reaches the desired 70-inch length, with the designer recommending blocking if desired to enhance the mesh definition. The pattern concludes with a bind-off worked knitwise on the wrong side to match the appearance of the cast-on edge, creating a polished, symmetrical finish.