This pattern speaks to the programmer and hardware designer in me. So often, small changes in the inputs can have a big impact on outputs, even though the process remains the same. I approach knitting design the same way, and found myself liking all the outputs of this algorithm so much, I wanted to write them all down.

The shawlette is an asymmetrical crescent constructed from a series of rectangles and triangles. The sizes of the triangles and rectangles vary as the shawlette grows. You choose two numbers at the start of the pattern that determine how quickly it curves and how random the rectangle sizes will be.

Be aware - this is a non-traditionally written pattern. The basic knitting instructions are there, but the directions for determining when/what size to do the triangles and rectangles are written like a computer program or a process flow, with if/then and loop statements. I explain everything in the pattern, and it’s not that hard, but it may not be what you’re used to unless you’re a flow-chart junkie. Please read the Designers Notes in the pattern carefully, and all will be revealed.

Sizes Available: varies, from 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm) deep and 56” to 62” (142 to 157 cm) wingspan

Skill Level:
pattern reading - adventurous
knitting - intermediate, requires k, yo, k2tog and short rows with W&T

Yarn Recommendations: any fingering weight yarn with a nice drape, especially bamboo or silk blends. This pattern is well suited for solids, semi-solids and gradients. Yardage is not critical, since you knit until you run out of yarn.

Tech edited by Eleanor Dixon.

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