ABOUT
The Melon Shawl, a marled and thicker version of the Stiles Shawl, is a celebration of simplicity and thoughtful design — a modern piece that flows seamlessly, stitch by stitch, into something quietly beautiful. A companion for slow, satisfying moments of making.
The ladder stitch was the starting point for this shawl’s construction and shape. It reminded me of ladders, stairs… and stiles — those small steps tucked into fences in the countryside. I imagined a peaceful rural scene: stiles set against a low stone wall, rolling hills stretching behind them, and soft winds brushing the fields. That image guided the design from the very beginning.
Like a long walk through the countryside, the knitting is meditative and soothing. Its rhythm is steady, its structure intuitive — inviting you to slow down and enjoy the journey.
For this version, I went with vibrant hues to celebrate colour even in the colder months — electric pinks, sunlit yellows, and flecks of teal that bring brightness to grey days. A shawl that wraps you in warmth and quiet joy, like a burst of sunshine in winter.

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!