This is a uniquely constructed shawl (or shawlette) designed to work with any weight yarn, and to be made any size you like; not just that, but the construction makes it somewhat easy to plug different stitch patterns (like cables or simple lace) into the piece, if you’re adventurous enough!

A couple more fun things about this pattern: regardless of how big you make your shawl, you’ll never cast on or bind off more than a couple inches worth of stitches! There is also no seaming, no picking up stitches, and only as many ends to weave in as the 2 ends of each yarn you use (meaning no breaking of yarn is needed within the pattern).

Included are 2 versions of the pattern - one for the most basic, garter stitch edged Betiko, written as a normal pattern. The other is the more open-ended customizable version, which explains how you’d go about plugging in your own choice of stitch patterns, and also tells you how to make the wavy version, with a waving ribbed top section and a simple lace waves edging. (The cabled version is not written out for you, but rather an example of how an experience knitter could plug cables into the customized version.)

Any version of the pattern can be made with stripes if you choose, and any version can be made in the smaller or larger sizes pictured, or any other size, by simply working a couple of the parts until they are the size of your choosing. Diagrams and lots of notes explain how to work out the sizing and more, which is all included for ultimate customization, but don’t be afraid of the length of this pattern (27 pages!), as the actual piece is not very hard to knit! (And the patterns themselves are on 3/6 mostly photo-less pages for printing.)

Also, there are 2 additional pdfs, one with just the garter stitch edged pattern, and one with just the wavy version and no customization info. These are both without striping instructions and with minimal pictures and limited info - working from these pdfs may be easier if all you want to make is a basic version of the shawl.

Yardage completely depends on size/gauge/etc - smaller size yardage estimates: 300-400 yards worsted, 250-350 yards bulky, 500-600 yards fingering; larger size estimates: 500-600 yards worsted, 400-500 yards bulky, 700-800 yards fingering.

This project is knit entirely flat, on long circular needles. 60” long is recommended, but anything 32” or longer will work.

First released as a mystery knit-a-long in November-December 2010, the wavy version was the mystery version of the pattern.

Print pattern holders: here is the link to the supplementary pdf with the bits missing from the print version of the pattern.

And by the way, “Betiko” is a Basque name which means “eternal” because you can knit this shawl forever and it will be different every time!

(Note: this pattern is also available as a printed booklet through MagCloud here.)