Looking for a fun, sew-free knitting project that’s easy to knit but still has a little clever shaping to keep things interesting? What if you could work short rows without ever having to pick them up later? If that sounds like your kind of knitting, you’ll love the Melon Shawl!

The Melon Shawl is a new version of my original Stiles Shawl, which was first designed in fingering yarn for a yarn store commission. The brief was simple: use up two skeins, make it easy, and—most importantly—make it fun. While experimenting with stitch patterns, I tried the ladder stitch and thought of ladders, stairs… and stiles! I pictured a peaceful countryside scene, with stiles set against a stone fence and rolling hills behind, and the design slowly came together.

The Melon Shawl was created as an Aran-weight version for LITLG Magazine, using two strands of fingering yarn held together for a beautiful marled effect. You can also substitute an Aran-weight yarn if you like—just make sure your gauge is right, since it will affect the short-row edge.

This pattern is designed to be easy and enjoyable to knit, even with the short rows and shaping—it’s approachable for knitters who want a satisfying project without too much fuss. It includes clear written instructions, charts, and step-by-step finishing diagrams, and I’m always happy to answer questions if you need a hand.

Grab your yarn, get cozy, and enjoy knitting your own Melon Shawl—fun, rewarding, and full of those little “a-ha” moments we all love!

CONSTRUCTION
Worked with two strands of yarn held together, the main panel blends two shades into a softly marled fabric. The process begins with just four stitches cast on at the Left Panel. Increases are added every few rows along the right edge, allowing the fabric to grow gradually in length and width. Once the desired length is reached, the shaping is reversed by decreasing stitches to taper the other side.
To complete the design, two strands of a third colour are held together as stitches are picked up along the bottom edge. Short rows — cleverly hidden in the purl stitches, so there’s no need to pick them up — are then worked to shape the shawl’s distinctive, elongated border.

SKILL LEVEL
Easy

MATERIALS
• 3 × 100 g (3.5 oz) skeins of LITLG Merino Singles (100% merino wool; fingering weight; approx. 366 m / 400 yd per 100 g) in Primavera (Colour A), Pink Soda (Colour B) and Nimbus (Colour C)
• One set of 4.50 mm (UK 7 / US 7) circular needles with a cable of, at least, 60 cm / 24 in
• Darning needle, stitch markers

KNITTED MEASUREMENTS
One size

PATTERN WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS LANGUAGE
English (UK)

Happy knitting!