Dragoon Shawl

Dragoon Shawl by Martha Wissing Designs

What Is Being Made

The Dragoon Shawl is an asymmetric kite-shaped shawl designed by Martha Wissing. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a lightweight wrap perfect for layering around the neck, securing with a leather cuff, or draping casually over the shoulders. The finished shawl measures 75 inches (190 cm) in wingspan with a depth of 23 inches (58 cm) at its widest point, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various styling options and seasons.

Construction and Design Features

The Dragoon Shawl features a distinctive architectural design centered around a prominent "spine" line that runs from tip to tip. During the initial construction phase, as stitches are increased at the beginning of the shawl, the spine remains centered. Once the shawl reaches its desired stitch count, the spine shifts one stitch to the left on every right-side row, creating visual movement and interest until the final tip is reached. This shifting spine technique gives the shawl its characteristic kite shape and adds complexity to an otherwise straightforward construction method.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs simple stockinette stitch (St st) as the primary stitch throughout the project. The simplicity of the stitch work allows the yarn's natural qualities to take center stage while the shaping techniques—primarily strategic increases and the shifting spine—provide the visual interest and structural definition. The intermediate skill level reflects the need to understand increase techniques, directional shaping, and how to manage the spine shift across rows rather than complex stitch patterns.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn: 5 balls of Berroco Tiramisu in colorway #9205 Espresso (50g per ball, 137 yards per ball). This self-striping yarn features a soft halo that enhances the simple stitches and contributes significantly to the shawl's finished appearance.
• Needles: 32–40 inch circular knitting needle in size 8 (5 mm) US or the size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Notions: One removable stitch marker for tracking pattern placement

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10.2 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements. The pattern is offered in one size, with the finished wingspan and depth measurements provided as the standard outcome when gauge is matched accurately.