The Driftwood Dune Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Wrap
The Driftwood Dune Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Wrap
This asymmetrical shawl combines a rich, textured cable panel with a soft, flowing garter stitch body, creating a modern and cozy accessory. The unique shape drapes beautifully over the shoulders, making it a versatile layering piece for any season. Whether you're a confident beginner or an experienced knitter looking for a satisfying project, this pattern offers a perfect balance of structure and drape.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx 600-700 yards). Sample shown in Malabrigo Rios in 'Dusty Olive'.
- Needles:
- US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle (32-inch or longer) for the body
- US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle for the cable panel (optional, for tighter cables)
- Notions:
- Stitch markers (at least 2)
- Cable needle
- Tapestry needle for weaving ends
- Blocking pins and mats
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Cable panel (16 stitches) measures 2.5 inches wide on smaller needles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
The shawl is worked from the top down, starting with a small garter stitch tab. The cable panel is worked along one edge, while the body is increased asymmetrically. Use stitch markers to mark the cable panel and increase points.
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit two together
- ssk = slip slip knit
- yo = yarn over
- C4F = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
- C4B = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
Cable Panel (worked over 16 stitches)
Row 1 (RS): P2, C4F, C4B, p2, k4.
Row 2 (WS): P4, k2, p4, k2, p4.
Row 3 (RS): P2, k4, p4, k4, p2.
Row 4 (WS): K2, p4, k2, p4, k2, p2.
Row 5 (RS): P2, C4B, C4F, p2, k4.
Row 6 (WS): Same as Row 2.
Row 7 (RS): Same as Row 3.
Row 8 (WS): Same as Row 4.
Repeat Rows 1-8 for pattern.
Begin Shawl
With larger needle, cast on 3 stitches.
Knit 6 rows (garter stitch tab). Do not turn after last row. Rotate work 90 degrees clockwise, pick up and knit 3 stitches along the side edge of the tab (3 stitches). Rotate again, pick up and knit 3 stitches from the cast-on edge (3 stitches). Total: 9 stitches.
Set-up Row (WS): K3 (edge), place marker (pm), k3 (center), pm, k3 (edge).
Body Increases
Row 1 (RS): K3, slip marker (sm), yo, k to next marker, yo, sm, k3. (2 stitches increased)
Row 2 (WS): K3, sm, purl to next marker, sm, k3.
Repeat Rows 1-2 until you have 45 stitches (or desired width). End with a WS row.
Begin Cable Panel
Row 1 (RS): K3, sm, yo, k to last 16 stitches, work Row 1 of Cable Panel over these 16 stitches.
Row 2 (WS): Work Row 2 of Cable Panel over first 16 stitches, purl to marker, sm, k3.
Continue in this manner, working the cable panel on the last 16 stitches of RS rows and first 16 stitches of WS rows, while continuing the body increases (yo after the first marker on RS rows) every RS row until you have 75 stitches total (including cable panel). End with a WS row.
Body without increases
Continue working the cable panel as established, but stop the body increases. Work even (knit all stitches on RS except cable panel, purl all stitches on WS except cable panel) until the shawl measures approximately 20 inches from the cast-on edge, or desired length. End with a WS row.
Decrease Section
Row 1 (RS): K3, sm, ssk, knit to last 16 stitches, work cable panel.
Row 2 (WS): Work cable panel, purl to marker, sm, k3.
Repeat Rows 1-2 until 9 stitches remain (including cable panel). End with a WS row.
Final Row (RS): K3, sm, ssk, k2tog, work cable panel (16 stitches). (7 stitches remain)
Bind off loosely in pattern.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block aggressively to open up the cable pattern and even out the garter stitch. Pin the shawl into a crescent shape, stretching the cable panel slightly. Allow to dry completely before wearing.
