Current versions have new filenames ending with “v3.pdf”

• fixed mistake in row 10 on Nov 17, 2013
• fixed mistake in row 11 on Mar 5, 2014

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of superheroes or you’ve just got fond childhood memories of running around with a blanket-cape fluttering behind…

Whether you’ve only recently unlocked the mysteries of your incredible superpowers with pointy sticks and string, or you’ve long been a high-ranking member of the Strategically Knitting So We Don’t Hurt People league of stitching supervillians…

Knitters? SMASH!

SMASH! is an androgynous shawl or kerchief-style scarf, with bold colour-blocking and a burst of rugged lace between incredible selvedges that transmogrify the bias garter fabric for a powerful swooping effect.

The result is amazingly easy to wear, as if it is imbued with superpowers to cling to your shoulders as you move, staying in place and draping smoothly with flattering curves no matter how you wrap it.

Recommended skill levels: A monstrously heroic challenge for an advanced beginner eager to learn more, or a relaxing knit with great momentum for an intermediate to expert knitter. The unusual selvedges, colour and needle-size changes, and lace edging team up to defend it from monotony, while the garter core allows experienced knitters to enjoy subtitled action movies while they knit.

Gauge: 18.5 sts x 34 rows over 4” / 10cm in garter stitch on smaller needles worked flat and blocked

Sizes: One size fits most adults, with tips for custom sizes

Finished measurements: 63” / 160 cm along longest edge and 14” / 36 cm deep to widest point, after soaking and blocking, then being worn through a few daily adventures.

You Will Need:
Colour A: 285 yd / 260 m of fingering yarn, shown in purple tonal: Indigodragonfly Merino Sock
Colour B: 175 yd / 160 m of fingering yarn, shown in green-grey-navy variegated: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight
Or for a single colour mutation: 460 yd / 421 m of fingering yarn

Suggested Needles:
One 24” / 60 cm or longer circular needle in size US 6 / 4.0 mm or size needed to achieve gauge of 18.5 sts x 34 rows over 4” / 10 cm in garter stitch worked flat
One larger-gauge 24” / 60 cm or longer circular needle in size US 9 / 5.5 mm, or three sizes larger than the needle used to achieve gauge

Thank you to my test knitters:
AprilBroken, ironkit, Froufrou, Kn0ttyKn1tt3r, Kupyer, Mahi, MalumCattus, meikasue, SparkyPonytrail, and SteampunkDreams

And much gratitude to knitwear designer Maureen Foulds for her invaluable input!

But wait… there’s a post-credits bonus scene:

PUNY, a sidekick mutation of SMASH!

Pattern available as a separate stand-alone pdf when you download SMASH from Ravelry.

Amazing details of SMASH! have been shrunken down for a concentrated impact and enhanced by special bonus features. The result is a decorative kerchief, cowl, or necklace designed to fit super cats, incredible dogs, small mutants, and human sidekicks of various sizes.

Buttons fasten the narrowest points for an adjustable fit, by using the eyelets built into the selvedge as buttonholes. An elite team of fewer repeats and optional beads supercharge the asymmetric lace. Need backup for your cunning plan? Try one as a functional swatch for a full-size SMASH!

WARNING: Use at own risk! Do not leave any animal, small child, or unstable energy creature unattended while they are wearing a PUNY! May impart delusions of grandeur, cravings for shawarma, and superpowers including flight or teleportation, so leashes are recommended for furry or toddling PUNY-wearers and gods of mischief. Highly addictive to knit and to wear.

Gauge: 18.5 sts x 34 rows over 4” / 10cm in garter stitch on smaller needles worked flat and blocked

Sizes: S (M, L) / X-PUNY (Mild-mannered, HULK)

Fits: Most cats and tiny dogs (Small dogs and humans, Large dogs and humans)

Finished measurements: length: 14 (18, 24)” / 36 (46, 61) cm, width: 4 (5, 6)” / 10 (13, 16) cm, after soaking and blocking, then being worn through a few daily adventures

You Will Need:
40 (60, 90) yd / 37 (55, 82) m of fingering yarn, shown in purple tonal: Indigodragonfly Merino Sock, and in gradient: Patons Kroy Sock FX

Suggested Needles:
One 24” / 60 cm or longer circular needle in size US 6 / 4.0 mm or size needed to achieve gauge of 18.5 sts x 34 rows over 4” / 10 cm in garter stitch worked flat
One larger-gauge 24” / 60 cm or longer circular needle in size US 9 / 5.5 mm, or three sizes larger than the needle used to achieve gauge

HUGE thanks to my PUNY test knitters:
amandamariesays, BohemianScribe, LadyMac111, meelissa, and tessercat