I’ve added a free pdf pattern in my own current style and format to my Ravelry store, with instructions for upsizing the shawl proportionately, or with added wingspan. Even if you download my pattern here, be sure to check out all the great designs available on Knitty!

Eccentric and non-conforming, Lunatic Fringe is an off-kilter shawl that grows asymmetrically from the bottom up, and sprouts digit-like fringes on one side. The fringes are knit in as you go along by repeatedly binding off and casting on, while the body features alternating textural stripes. Cast on with a few stitches, Lunatic Fringe grows by increasing unequally along both sides to the long top edge, which is finished simply with a stretchy bind off. Like a devastated remnant found in the irradiated ruins of former civilization, Lunatic Fringe represents a ravaged relic of the cyber past, featuring a slubby yarn blend which is weirdly iridescent in duo-tonal colors.

Construction: This shawl is cast on at the bottom tip, and worked to the top edge in alternating garter stitch and stockinette stitch stripes, with a 2 st garter edging on each side.

Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, backwards loop CO, knit, increasing; this pattern is fully written.

Size: 58” length and 16” depth, with instructions for customizing.

Yarn: The Fibre Company Terra (40% merino, 40% alpaca, 20% silk, 196 yards/179m/100g), shown in Butternut; 4 skeins, or 784 yards of aran weight yarn. I chose a thick & thin yarn with textural interest, to accentuate the erratic nature of the shawl; handspun would create a similar effect. Any yarn and any amount may be used; see pattern instructions to adjust for differing yardage.

Other Materials: US 9/5.5mm 40” circular needle or size to match gauge; stitch markers (2); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 14 st and 24 rows/4” in stockinette stitch after blocking. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished shawl, and different yardage requirements.

Thank you to Knitty Magazine!