Machina is a small welted half-circle shawlette--easy to knit and luxurious when knit in soft Malabrigo Yarns Rastita or a similar yarn. If you feel like knitting a small shawl, but want to end up wearing a versatile vaguely-futuristic-Victorian-cape/cowl/scarf/shawl thing with lots of buttons, this design is for you!

Errata available! I clarified an instruction on Page 3. This has been corrected in the current .PDF (42317), but the clarification is available at the errata link to help those who are working from the free version.

The basic shawl is knit in just one skein of Malabrigo Yarns Rastita (be sure to check your gauge carefully if you’re knitting this from one skein; you’ll need every yard!), so it makes a good single-skein stashbuster as well as a good small shawl once it’s finished.

The welting makes it very compressible, so it accordions into a nice scarf or opens up into a shawl--and the small overall size makes it a good travel piece. It’s easy to stow in a bag for outdoor venues in anticipation of a chilly evening or climates with cool, variable temperatures.

One thing to note: if you plan on wearing this as a buttoned cape with a high collar, the neckline--and overall fit--will be slim for some. If there’s much interest, I will grade it for an additional size and add that to the permanent version of the pattern, so let me know! I’m not sure if the button-down cape variation is the way most people will wear this.

Q. Is it handspun friendly?
A. Oh yes, it’s handspun friendly. I’d recommend 310 yards of sport/dk weight yarn as a minimum, though! And I’m always a fan of high wool content. But I think this would look pretty amazing even in a finer (sportweight) art yarn. It’s a great palette for functional creative yarn and dyework!

Gauge is important for the yardage requirements of this shawl. Please swatch and use the needle size you need!

Gauge is 14 sts and 26 rows in 4”/20cm, in pattern, blocked.

You’ll need:
-310 yards or one skein of Malabrigo Rastita for the basic version. If you have more yarn and want a big shawl, this pattern is (very!) easily customized into a larger wrap.
-a circular needle used to knit flat. Most knitters should start with a US 7-8/4.5-5.0mm, but needle sizes vary--be sure to use the size you need!
-optional stitch markers
-12 3/4” buttons, and needle and coordinating thread to go with them if your yarn isn’t compatible with the buttons you use
-darning needle

The tag for this one is #machinashawl! If anyone really does take the travel knit approach with this--if you start off with a ball of yarn, an easy pattern, and your materials at the beginning of your trip, and end up wearing a finished shawl--I totally want to see. And just in general, it’s great seeing your work on Instagram and Ravelry!

NEW AS OF 5/26/17: Here’s a link to some quick sizing guidelines! Please enjoy my poorly-maintained blog.

Also a reminder: the errata have been corrected in the current pattern, but a lot of people downloaded the free promotional copy, and at least a few of those had the error, so I’m leaving that link up.