~I think of this as a “scawl.” A scawl is small like a scarf and lacy like a shawl.~

Pattern Inspiration:
The Chachapoyas (a Quechua word meaning “cloud warriors”) were a mysterious, pre-Incan civilization. The stitch patterns used reference what little is known about them: odd rows show a turban-style hat (“llauto”); even rows show skulls (much of what is known about them was gleaned from their tombs), and the edging mimics the extreme peaks of their home in the misty sky. Knitted in cotton, it’s a light decorative layer to keep you cool and your neck safe from el sol. Knitted in a luxury fiber, it’s a warm, luxe treat to ward off chilly breezes. Scarves fall off, and shawls require extensive knitting; this scawl is just long enough to be wrapped once around the neck and loosely tied or pinned in the front. Proof that utility can be beautiful!

You Will Need:
• 175 yds (160 m) lace weight* yarn (This pattern is great for handspun lace singles!)
• 2.5 mm/US 1½ needles—straight or circular
• yarn needle to weave in ends, 6 safety-pin style stitch markers

Skill Level: Intermediate (lace, simple shaping and finishing)
Techniques: Knitting, purling, knitted-in i-cord, knitting through back loop, right increase in head of stitch below, seaming pieces together, single decreases, yarn overs

Construction:
The main portion of the scawl is knitted first, then the edgings are knitted separately and seamed to it. This gives them a little more stability so that they will lay flat. You may also wish to use 6 plastic safety-pin style stitch markers to aid in seaming. An online seaming tutorial is linked in the pattern. The test knitters used a variety of lace yarns (the non-Nerimaki ones linked above) and needed as many as 150+ yards (137 m). 175 ensures plenty of padding in case the desired length is longer than that given in pattern or the yarn chosen happens to get “eaten” faster than expected.

The pattern is 3 pages long and roughly 595 kilobytes. The latest version of the pattern was released on May 11, 2011.