The Five Tenets Collection of shawls is inspired by the five tenets of taekwondo. The five tenets are recited by the class, unifying them as students, but also as humans. Even though these tenets are rooted in martial arts, they are principles we all should live by: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.

Integrity is the second tenet of taekwondo. This tenet focuses on being true to yourself and doing what is right. For this shawl, I considered everything that I love about shawl knitting. First, I love long crescent shawls in fingering weight yarn. Second, I love single-skein shawls: I always have single skeins in my stash, I don’t have to worry about alternating skeins of hand-dyed yarn, and the projects are quick and affordable. I also love the simplicity of working a plain body before adding an interesting border; here, I’ve used one of my favorite lace stitch patterns. And finally, I love coming up with mnemonics to make the knitting go smoothly, so I’ve shared my prompts with you.

The shawl begins with a garter tab cast-on and continues with a stockinette body. A squiggly lace pattern creates a fun border that’s easy to remember thanks to my little tricks. The long tails of the crescent curl gracefully as they drape around your neck. Knit this in one of your favorite colors to show off your true self.

13.5 in. (34.5 cm) deep at center
82.5 in. (209.5 cm) along wingspan

US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 32-40 in. (80-100 cm) circular needle, or size needed to achieve desired fabric
One US Size 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needle, or one slightly larger than main needle, for bind-off
Two US Size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles, or same size as main needle, for working cast-on and beginning of shawl (optional)
2 stitch markers
Gram scale for estimating yarn usage
Blunt tapestry needle

The pattern is written for one size, but a gram scale and the provided calculations will help you make the most of the yarn you have.