Curiosa

Curiosa Shawl by Emily Wood

What Is Being Made

Curiosa is a downloadable knitting pattern for a crescent-shaped shawl designed by Emily Wood. This intermediate-level project creates a versatile accessory available in two finished sizes: 54 inches (137 cm) long and 24 inches (61 cm) at its widest point for the smaller version, or 66.5 inches (169 cm) long and 30 inches (76 cm) at its widest point for the larger version. The shawl is described as "a mixture of grace and daring," combining elegant stitch patterns with bold colorwork elements.

Techniques Used

The Curiosa shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance. The pattern incorporates colorwork through the use of a main color paired with five coordinating accent colors, creating visual interest and complexity. Circular needles are used to accommodate the shawl's growing width during construction. The pattern requires understanding of increases, including the kfb (knit front and back) technique for shaping. Blocking is essential to achieving the correct finished dimensions and stitch definition, as gauge measurements are provided after blocking for all stitch patterns used.

Stitches Used

The Curiosa shawl features multiple stitch patterns that work together to create texture and visual appeal:

• Broken Rib – creates vertical texture and elasticity
• Tilting Blocks – adds dimensional geometric patterning
• Stockinette stitch – provides smooth, classic fabric sections

Edge stitches are worked in garter stitch (knit every row) to create defined, stable borders. The pattern combines these stitches strategically, with specific instructions for wrong-side rows (purling to the last stitches while maintaining knit edges) to maintain shaping and structure throughout the project.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The pattern calls for SweetGeorgia Yarns Tough Love Sock in two formats. The main color (MC) uses one skein of Birch, providing 425 yards (388 meters) per 4-ounce (115 gram) skein. Five coordinating accent colors (CC1-5) come from the SweetGeorgia Yarns Party of Five set, also in Tough Love Sock in Candy Shop, with each color providing 105 yards (96 meters) per 1-ounce (28 gram) skein. Both yarns are composed of 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon, offering durability, softness, and easy care.

Needles: A US size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle measuring at least 24 inches (60 cm) is required to accommodate the shawl's expanding width.

Gauge: Exact gauge is noted as non-critical but will affect finished size and yarn requirements. The pattern provides three gauge measurements after blocking: 26 stitches and 30 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in Broken Rib; 24 stitches and 32 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in Tilting Blocks stitch; and 24 stitches and 36 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch.

Notions: A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.