Post Script Shawlette
By Scarlett “Kiki” Geiger
Small like the “P.S.” on a letter, this shawlette has a blunt triangular design that just covers the shoulders and easily converts to a scarf. With just one skein and large needles, it makes super fast gifts with a reversible, nubby testure.
Materials Yarn: 1 skein bulky weight (size 5) yarn (about 110 yards). Yarns used in photo: Bottom shawl: Lionbrand “Homespun” Color: Desert Sands, 100% acrylic, USA. Left Shawl: Louet “Circus” Color: Blue Harbor, 96% wool, 4% cotton, Belgium, Right Shawl: Moda Dea “Curious”, 45% nylon, 28% cotton, 27% acrylic, Italy Needles: US 13 long straight or circular (better) Notions: tapestry needle, split marker, row counter
Sizing Gauge: Does not matter, isn’t that nice to hear? Size: 50” x 11”
Stitch Glossary BO – Bind Off CO – cast on K –Knit Kf&b – knit front and back of stitch (single increase) Kfbf – knit front, back and front again of stitch (double increase) Rpt – Repeat RS – Right Side St(s) – stitch(es) WS – Wrong side
Pattern Cast on 4 stitches loosely, leaving a 6” tail to weave in later. (RS)R1: Kfbf, K to end of row. R2-23: Kfbf, K to end of row. (50 sts) R24 – 43 Kf&b, K to end of row (70 sts) BO loosely. Weave in ends of yarn. To dry block, stretch edge from bottom point to top edge. Repeat for other side. This opens up the stitches and relaxes any curl in the point.
Notes
Identify RS with a split marker if you plan on changing yarns for striping. Increases: There are two types. You start with a knit in front, back and front (Kfbf) and then switch to a basic knit front and back (Kf&b) in the latter part of the shawl. Increases, cast on and bind off all need to be made loosely. When making Kfbf, I make the front sloppy, the back loose, then the front normal. You need this when you stretch the sides to relax (blocking). If you choose a super bulky yarn or you knit tightly and the shawl looks “tight”, use a US 15 needle.
Alternative Idea
For a larger shawl, add more rows and go beyond the 70 stitches in the same Kf&b pattern of rows 24 on. For a striped shawl, change colors on the right side each time, or try Red Heart Boutique “Magical” yarn that changes colors and yarns automatically. If you are following a thin yarn with a bulky yarn in R1-23, do a Kf&b for the next two rows only. Then continue pattern. This eliminates a glob at the edge with the bulky yarn.
© 2012 Scarlett “Kiki” Geiger ● yok2tog..blogspot..com TheBrownDog..etsy..com ssgeiger@cox.net July 2012