Valley Yarns Foxfire Shawl Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Foxfire Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Foxfire Shawl is a roomy, shoulder-hugging wrap designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This seamless knit shawl features a graceful double-wing silhouette that flatters the shoulders while providing generous coverage. The finished dimensions measure approximately 14 inches wide by 56 inches long, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a traditional shawl.

Construction and Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive shape and visual appeal:

• Top-Down Construction: The shawl is worked from the top down, beginning with a small cast-on of 11 stitches that gradually expands through strategic increases
• Worked Flat: The piece is knit flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy row-by-row progression
• Seamless Design: The shawl requires no seaming, as it is constructed as a single continuous piece
• Stripe Pattern: Color blocks are created by changing yarn colors at specific intervals, with increasingly longer rows causing the color blocks to naturally shorten in a pleasing progression
• Stitch Marker Placement: Six stitch markers are strategically positioned to define the shaping sections and guide the knitter through the increase pattern

Stitches Used

The Foxfire Shawl utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Knit Stitch: Forms the primary fabric in stockinette stitch, creating a smooth, classic texture
• Make One (M1) Increase: Accomplished by knitting into the back of the strand running between needles, this increase method creates nearly invisible shaping that allows the shawl to expand symmetrically
• Slip Marker (SM): Used to maintain stitch marker positions as the knitter progresses through rows

Materials and Gauge

The Foxfire Shawl pattern calls for Valley Yarns Charlemont yarn in three coordinating colorways. The yarn composition is consistent across all three colors: 60% Fine Superwash Merino, 20% Mulberry Silk, and 20% Polyamide, with each skein weighing 100 grams and providing 439 yards of yardage. One skein each of Valley Yarns Charlemont Kettle Dye in Teal Blue (color A) and Deep Sea (color B) are paired with one skein of Valley Yarns Charlemont Hand Dyed in Lily Pond (color C).

Knitting needles required are US size 6 (4.0 millimeter) or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern calls for a gauge of approximately 5 stitches per 1 inch when worked in stockinette stitch. Additional notions include 6 stitch markers for shaping guidance.

Pattern Highlights

The shawl begins with a small foundation cast-on and initial knit rows that establish the base. The main pattern section features a repeating increase sequence that creates the double-wing silhouette, with increases placed strategically on both sides of marked sections. As each skein of yarn runs out, the knitter transitions to the next color, creating distinct horizontal color blocks. The final color is worked until approximately 10 yards remain, at which point all stitches are bound off loosely to create a soft, flexible edge. Finishing involves weaving in loose ends and optional blocking to enhance the shawl's drape and definition.