As I knitted this shawl and worked out the cable pattern that defines the top edge and spine, I was reminded of the portions of my high school physics classes that dealt with the study of waves. In physics, “amplitude” is a measurement of how a wave changes over time, and the cable pattern in this shawl is reminiscent of the many graphs I drew during my studies. The repeated wave pattern oscillates back and forth, providing the knitter with enough challenge to be interesting, but is tempered by a large field of relaxing garter stitch.

I wanted a shawl large enough to wrap up in, and Amplitude’s seven-foot wingspan certainly fits the bill. Knitters who prefer a smaller shawl can create one by reducing the number of oscillations that are knitted.

Amplitude is a triangular shawl, with a lace spine flanked by an oscillating wave pattern on either side. The top edge mirrors the wave, and the interior of the shawl consists of a field of garter stitch. The border incorporates a simple texture to create a well-defined edge.

Construction starts at the top center of the shawl and extends to the points. There are four simple increases every two rows created by yarn overs. The oscillating wave pattern that defines the top edge and spine is constructed using cable techniques to create the appearance of a line of knit stitches floating on a sea of purl stitches. The border continues the established increase pattern along the top edge and spine, while switching the interior to a checkerboard stitch pattern to create a crisp section before the bind-off.

When selecting yarn for this shawl, it is important to choose a yarn that will not obscure the oscillating wave. I found that the Sprout Solids line from The Fiber Seed was ideal for this — there is just enough variation in the bold colors to keep the yarn interesting and the oscillating waves stand out brilliantly. The pattern also works well with lightly speckled yarn and gradients.

When printing out this pattern, please note that it is not necessary to print out all pages, depending on whether working from charts or written instructions.

Please use the hashtag #AmplitudeShawl when posting pictures on social media.

Skills Required

• Knit & purl, cast-on & bind-off
• Russian bind-off (instructions included)
• Increasing (yarn over)
• Cables (instructions included)
• Working from charts (optional)
• Whipstitch (optional)

Notions

• Cable needle
• 8 stitch markers
• Blocking pins
• Blocking wires (optional)
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Finished Measurements

Wingspan: 84 inches (213.4 centimeters)
Depth: 34 inches (86.4 centimeters)

Credits
Photographer: Tess Norman
Model: Rebecca Dillingham
Tech editor: Joan Beebe
Test knitters: Aaron Lamour, cakky14 Cathy, kmacmillan2003, LauraKnitsPA, Lindsay English, Maamah Johnana, Mary Sue Moore