Chautauqua Slabs by Nick Davis

Chautauqua Slabs

Knitting
May 2018
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
14 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches
in blocked garter
US 5 - 3.75 mm
US 6 - 4.0 mm
360 - 400 yards (329 - 366 m)
One size, as written; approximately 53” wingspan.
English
This pattern is available for $6.00 USD buy it now

This mini-shawl/triangle scarf combines a traditional triangle shawl concept with some extra geometric shaping, for an interesting look that’s easier to style. This is a truly unisex design, and one that can be made to suit a variety of personal styles as well, depending on the yarn you choose. In a multi-color handspun yarn (which was the original yarn for this design) or beige-natural tone self-striping wool, it scans as natural and soft-looking, but a dark-tonal yarn makes the same design feel more angular and alternative.

None of the techniques used are difficult (they will probably be familiar and even easy for most intermediate knitters), but be warned: the initial cast-on is a bit of a commitment. It’s definitely worth double-checking to make sure your numbers are good before you get going; with a little bit of care during setup, the rest of the project should flow well.

Materials:
About 390 yards of sock- to sport-weight yarn—use one skein of Malabrigo Sock, handspun or a fancy skein of something similar
One 36”+ circular knitting needle in US5-6/3.75-4.0mm, or size needed for gauge
7 removable stitch markers
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Techniques: centered double decreases, cable cast-on.

Gauge is a loose, open 14 sts and 34 rows in blocked garter stitch. Be sure to check your gauge! While this design should work in heavier yarns worked at larger gauges, the suggested gauge should be regarded as a minimum; knit tighter and your scarf might be too small to wear effectively.

(Scrap-friendly? Oh yes, this shawl is scrap-friendly. It would look pretty neat in odds and ends of yarn for a one-of-a-kind striped effect, and can be knit at any weight/gauge, really, as long as you have enough yarn and use the needles you need to achieve a fabric you’ll like.)

The commercial fingering-weight yarn sample is shown in Malabrigo Yarns Sock in the Alcaucil colorway. The handspun samples are merino-based blends.