The Cape Hatteras Shawl was inspired by the sea, as well as by a love for traditional Native American design. It was designed to be a simple yet versatile shawl, that provides a template for endless color exploration…

This shawl is a relaxing knit, done mostly in stockinette stitch, which shows off hand dyed yarns beautifully. Two contrasting colors are used in this design, with 2 skeins of DK weight yarn used in the striped portion of the shawl, and a third skein used for the pleated edging. The edging weights the shawl nicely, so that it sits comfortably on the shoulders.

This pattern includes step by step instructions, as well as two video tutorials, which were created to help knitters with the steps and details needed to complete this shawl, along with providing some general knitting tips. I tried to pull together information I have learned over the years as a knitter, to help others elevate their knitting skills, so that they can create their own works of art! I demonstrate how to begin a shawl with a garter tab cast on, tying on new yarns, weaving in ends, making increases, binding off, etc. Even selecting yarns and needles for a project are discussed. From years of teaching knitting, I have learned what questions new knitters often have, so tried to address those in my videos, so that one can complete this project at home alone! This pattern also includes stitch counts, to help keep track of one’s work.

I used DK yarn for most of these shawls, however you can also knit this with worsted weight yarns, using close to the same yardage. This is a flexible and straight forward pattern, that allows one to use various yarns you might already have at home, as well as supplying a versatile template to feature some of your most favorite hand dyed yarns, at a reasonable cost, since I design my patterns to make the most of each skein of yarn!

Materials:

Yarn:
3 skeins of DK or similar weight yarn, approximately 225 yds/skein

Main Color: 2 skeins
Constrast Color: 1 skein

My shawls shown feature the following yarns:

Madelinetosh DK: Gracenotes (2) + Dirty Panther (1)
Madelinetosh DK: Cardigan (2) + Esoteric (1)
Madelinetosh DK: Yoko (2) + Stovepipe(1)
Malabrigo Rios: Diana (2) + Pearl Ten (1)

Most of this shawl is knit with a #7-32” circular, then switches to a #6-40” for the ribbing section before the pleated edging, then to a #7-40” to finish the shawl. (Interchangeable needles work beautifully for this project!) I also show how to bind off using a single double pointed #7 needle, along with your circular, for ease in binding off this shawl.

Gauge: 17st/4”, as an approximate gauge. This shawl will tend to block itself through use, but a bit of blocking may be desired along the edges of the shawl.

Size: 59” wide x 26” deep, but this can vary depending on gauge and yarn used.

Additional notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a #7 double pointed needle for binding off (optional), and a small inexpensive scale if desired, for weighing skeins of yarn.

My goal was to make this a user friendly pattern, that would appeal to beginner knitters, as well as to more advanced knitters, who want a versatile, quick, and straight forward project to work on when simplicity is desired!