I have been working on a year long Blanket Square project. Threads of Colour – a Year in Squares, each month a different square in a different stitch pattern and each month a “fancy”, a little extra something.

The April Square featured this stitch and once knit, I couldn’t stop thinking about making it up as a shawl. This is the result.

Rain Shadow shawl is a classic top-down triangular shawl with a twist. The Rain Shadow pattern is a ribbing pattern, with YO and bead details. The ribbing pattern and garter st details make the shawl totally reversible. As well, the pattern is mirrored from one side to the other giving extra movement to the lines of the rib. The shawl as shown has been beaded with size 6/0 beads. The beads are optional.

Almost classic – the increases along the sides and center line are a little faster than the average triangle shaping. There are six increase points in every 10 rows of pattern.

Rain Shadow is both written and charted.

Rain Shadow Shawl is a top-down triangular shawl with a fully reversible ribbed fabric that plays light and shadow against each other with every movement.

Construction and technique

• Top-down, seamless, worked in one piece from the apex to the bind-off edge
• Rain Shadow stitch pattern: a ribbing structure with yarn-over (yo) details that form the characteristic shadow lines
• Pattern is mirrored across the center spine, giving dynamic visual movement to the rib lines
• Garter stitch details ensure full reversibility; both sides are equally wearable
• Slightly accelerated shaping: 6 increase points per 10-row repeat along side edges and center line (faster than standard triangular construction)
• Optional beading with size 6/0 beads placed via yarn-overs
• Lace edging finishes the shawl
• Skill level: Intermediate

Materials

• Yarn: Fingering weight; 738-766 yards (675-700m)
• Sample knit in BC Garn Soft Silk (383 yds per skein); approximately 2 skeins
• Needles: 4.5mm [US 7]
• Notions: tapestry needle; for the beaded version, size 6/0 beads and a fine crochet hook or beading needle for placement

Sizing

• One size
• Shawl dimensions grow with the yardage used; work to desired size, then complete the lace edging
• No gauge is specified; swatch to confirm fabric drape before committing to your yarn

What’s included

• Full written instructions
• Charts for the Rain Shadow stitch pattern
• Instant PDF download

Rain Shadow Shawl began as the “fancy” extra in a year-long blanket square project and turned out too good to stay that way. It belongs on your needles and around your shoulders.