It started out as a happy little challenge from my friend Mary: design a small shawl/scarf without too much bulk that would fit snugly under her daughter’s coat to keep her warm during the winter in Germany. (Kind of like a mother’s hug from half a world away.) And, during this year of so many challenges - both big and little - I was intrigued. So the little challenge shawl grew and grew, and pretty soon I had a second version that was - well - big.

Knit on the bias, this triangle shaped shawl has a curved top edge to wrap perfectly, with picots along both outer edges. The big version is large enough to wrap and wear instead of a coat. Cozy! The little version is just big enough to wear with the point in front, and wrap around the neck. The ends are snugly hidden away beneath the point, and buttoned to keep it in place no matter how blustery the weather. You can also button it on top of the point if you want to show off a pretty button. (You can even wear it with the center point in the back, and just button it n the front, creating a loosely draped wide neck opening.) The little one is such a quick knit, why not knit one - or more - to give to loved ones in lieu of a real hug when you can’t be there in person?

BIG: approx. 700-725 yards
or…
LITTLE: approx. 215-235 yards
(you can also use fingering weight yarn held double for either size - just be sure to double the yardage requirements as well)
24” to 32” circular needles between a size 6 and 8 - whatever will produce a nice, not too stiff, not too loose, kind of drape-y shawl like fabric. You know what I mean.
One 1/2-5/8” button for small size
Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Examples were knitted with:
BIG: Brooklyn Tweed DAPPLE in color way Cerise
BIG: The Dye Project/Sea Change Fibers ECOLA SPORT and PINNACLE LACE held together in color Nightshade
LITTLE: Woolfolk DOV DK in color 00
LITTLE: Woolfolk STRA in color S2
LITTLE: KnitCircus DIVINE DK in color Dream a Little Dream
LITTLE: Hedgehog Fibres MERINO DK in color Monarch or a discontinued red

APPROXIMATE FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
BIG: 54” x 54” x 72” (26” deep) LITTLE: 32” x 32” x 44” (14” deep)