Connections Shawl by Alma Beck

Connections Shawl

Knitting
May 2016
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
9 stitches = 4 inches
in star stitch
US 10½ - 6.5 mm
550 - 650 yards (503 - 594 m)
Variable
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download

Knitting is all about connecting—not only joining one stitch to another, one row to the next, but also using traditional stitch patterns that connect us to knitters who have come before us—and to those who will follow.

As I watched the stitch pattern of this shawl take shape, I remembered that one of the most important predictors of mental health is the number of social connections we have. I’m fortunate to have lots of those connections—family and friends who help me connect to my world.

Perhaps this shawl will remind you of your connections, too. Or perhaps it is meant to be given away—honoring someone whose connection to you has been especially meaningful, or maybe gifted to a friend who needs a reminder of their own connections right now.

The easy-to-memorize stitch pattern has only 2 pattern rows (and one is just plain knitting) and no purling, so it’s an ideal project for relaxing knitting.

While the pattern is rated “intermediate” because of an uncommon decrease, a photo tutorial will lead you every step of the way. If you are an adventurous beginner who knows how to cast on, knit, yarn over, and bind off, you’ll likely do fine.

The shawl is constructed top-down, so the pattern can easily be adjusted to make a shawl of any size. Instructions are included for substituting yarns of a different gauge.

Finished Size:
Wingspan (long side of shawl) = 90” (230cm);
Depth at center back = 41” (105cm)

Gauge: 9 stitches = 4” in blocked star stitch

Materials: 3 skeins Knit Picks Chroma Worsted (Sample used 2 skeins Hollyhock, and 1 skein Avalon.) OR 300g worsted weight yarn

Tools: 6.5mm (US 10.5) circular needle, 80mm (32”) or larger; one stitch marker

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