Mettle is an elongated triangular shawl featuring several different but related textures. It is knit top-down from the center, beginning with a provisional garter tab cast on and is shaped by four increases every RS row and two increases every WS row. Because of its increased wingspan relative to its moderate depth, Mettle is easy to style in a variety of ways.

The stitch patterns are quite simple, which makes the shawl easy to customize if you prefer a different size.

Because the stitch patterns consist of repeats of 2-3 stitches, the pattern only includes written instructions. Stitch counts are given at the end of every section.

Yarn
C1: 308 (460) yards (282 (421) meters) of fingering weight yarn
C2: 176 (230) yards (161 (210) meters) of fingering weight yarn
(Large size requirements are in bold)

Sample A (small size - 1st photo) was knit with Malabrigo Yarn Sock in Persia (C1) and Lettuce (C2)
Sampe B (large size - 2nd photo) was knit with Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool Fine in Pansy (C1) and Denim (C2)
Since gauge is not critical, Mettle can be made with any weight yarn - just be sure to account for differences in required yardage. For substitutions, a yarn with good stitch definition and drape is recommended.

Needles
US6 / 4mm circular needles with 40 in. / 102 cm long cord (a cord 32 in. / 82 cm long will most likely work, too, but may feel a little cramped when the shawl is at its widest.)

Gauge
22 sts and 32 rows = 4 in. / 10 cm in 1x1 Broken Rib Stitch (blocked)
Gauge is not critical, but be aware that your gauge will affect the final dimensions of your shawl. Swatching is still recommended if only to ensure that you are happy with the fabric you’re creating.

Sizes
Small (60”/152cm wide and 19.5”/50cm deep)
Large (72”/183cm wide and 24”/58.5cm deep)

Notions
Four stitch markers
Blunt tapestry needle to weave in ends
Pins or wires for blocking

Skills and Techniques
Required skills: knit, purl, ktbl, yarn over, M1L, M1R, KFB, provisional cast on, garter tab cast on, cable cast on (or backwards loop - knitter’s choice!), and i-cord bind-off
(Tutorials/links are provided for the garter tab cast on)

My testers rated this pattern as Advanced/Adventurous Beginner.

Files
Mettle_v1.2 has written instructions in standard sized font.
Mettle _ low vision _ v1 has black text on white background, 22-24 point font, sans serif font, no italics, and fully written directions.
Mettle _ low vision _ blackbackground _ v1 has white text on black background, 22-24 point font, sans serif font, no italics, and fully written directions.