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.

Self-Control is the fourth tenet of taekwondo. It says that we need to be in control of ourselves and our actions. Some patterns go over the top with yarn requirements, but this shawl lets us indulge mindfully. A one-skein project in a luxurious yarn is the perfect exercise in restraint. Itʼs a great time to pull out the special skein of fingering that you bought on a whim.

Self-Control is an asymmetrical shawl that grows slowly using yarnovers along a mock I-cord edge. Bound-off stitches keep the stitch count from getting out of hand while creating an attractive toothed edge. An optional nupp is worked on each point. The mesh pattern throughout the body invokes the magic of knits, purls, and slipped stitches to create tiny triangular holes—no lace!

The vortex shaping of this shawl reminds us that when we start to spin out of control, we still have the power to change. When you do feel the need to calm down, the mesh stitch just might take you to that place of zen.

13.5 in. (34.5 cm) center depth
59 in. (150 cm) along wingspan
33 in. (84 cm) along bound-off edge
55 in. (139.5 cm) along toothed edge

Expression Fiber Arts Oasis Camel Silk Fingering, 1 skein, 50% Camel, 50% Mulberry Silk; 500 yd. (457 m)/100 g, or similar light fingering weight yarn
Sample shown in Twilight Lavender colorway used approximately 465 yd. (425 m)/93 g.

US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 32-40 in. (80-100 cm) circular needle, or size needed to achieve desired fabric
One US Size 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needle, or one slightly larger than main needle, for final 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)
Small crochet hook US D or E (3.25-3.5 mm) for working nupp (optional)
1 locking stitch marker plus 1 regular stitch marker
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.