Wonderland Yarns Stripes and Swaths Shawl Knitting Pattern

Wonderland Yarns Stripes and Swaths Shawl

Project Overview

The Stripes and Swaths Shawl is a landscape-inspired knit design by Stephanie Shiman that features gently curving horizontal stripes creating a scenic, mood-setting composition. This downloadable knitting pattern invites crafters to customize the finished piece through thoughtful color selection, whether using a gradient or color-morph approach to create widening swaths of color punctuated by eyelet rows. A contrasting pop color provides visual interest against the main color palette, allowing knitters to determine the shawl's overall aesthetic—from serene and calming to bold and wild.

What You'll Create

This is a seamless, flat-worked triangular shawl measuring 58 inches in wingspan and 21 inches at the widest point. The finished piece drapes beautifully as a wrap, shawlette, or shoulder accessory, making it versatile for various wearing occasions and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Lace knitting: Eyelet rows create openwork details throughout the design, adding visual texture and lightness to the fabric
• Seamless construction: The shawl is worked in one continuous piece with no seaming required
• Stripes: Horizontal color bands form the landscape-like aesthetic central to the design
• Flat knitting: The shawl is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round
• Short-row shaping: Wrap-and-turn (W&T) techniques create the curved, widening silhouette without traditional increases

Stitches and Abbreviations

This pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques, including:

• K (knit stitch): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of the garter stitch fabric
• K2tog (knit two stitches together): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• YO (yarn over): Creates the eyelet openings characteristic of lace knitting
• Kfb (knit front and back): An increase that adds stitches for the widening swaths
• W&T (wrap and turn): A short-row technique that creates curved shaping without visible gaps
• CO (cast on) and BO (bind off): Standard edge techniques for beginning and finishing the shawl

Gauge and Needles

The pattern calls for US size 5 circular needles, 24 inches long, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. The target gauge is 19 stitches and 38 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch. Achieving accurate gauge ensures the finished shawl meets the intended measurements and drapes correctly.

Yarn Materials

The Stripes and Swaths Shawl is designed to showcase Wonderland Yarns' premium sock and fingering-weight options. Crafters may choose between two yarn systems:

Option One: Queen of Hearts

Wonderland Yarns "Queen of Hearts" is a luxurious sock/fingering-weight yarn composed of 80% fine superwash merino, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon. This blend offers softness, durability, and easy care. The pattern requires:

• One mini-skein pack containing 510 yards (5 oz)
• Two additional 420-yard (4 oz) skeins: one in the main color and one in a contrasting pop color
• Total yardage: approximately 1,350 yards

Option Two: Mary Ann

Wonderland Yarns "Mary Ann" is a sock/fingering-weight yarn made from 85% fine superwash merino and 15% nylon, offering excellent stitch definition and resilience. The pattern requires:

• One mini-skein pack containing 590 yards (5 oz)
• Two additional 420-yard (4 oz) skeins: one in the main color and one in a contrasting pop color
• Total yardage: approximately 1,430 yards