Making Waves

Making Waves Shawl by Catherine Rein

Project Overview

Making Waves is an adjustable knitted shawl designed by Catherine Rein and published by The Cable & Lace Co. This beginner-friendly pattern captures the emotional essence of water in textile form, offering knitters the flexibility to create a garment that suits their yarn quantities and personal preferences. The shawl design evokes both the dynamic energy of splashing waves and the peaceful calm of rippling water, making it a versatile accessory for various moods and occasions.

What You'll Create

You will knit a flowing shawl that combines cable and lace elements to create a wave-like visual effect. The pattern's adjustable nature means you have complete control over the finished size—whether you prefer a short, wrap-style shawl or a larger, more generous drape. This flexibility makes Making Waves an excellent project for using up yarn from your stash, as you can simply begin the wave pattern when you reach your desired length and bind off whenever your yarn runs out, or continue knitting until you achieve your ideal dimensions.

Knitting Techniques Used

Making Waves employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners while incorporating visual interest through cable and lace work. The pattern utilizes circular needles for working flat, allowing for easy adjustments to length. The combination of cables and lace stitches creates the characteristic wave pattern that gives the shawl its name and aesthetic appeal.

Stitches and Stitch Work

• Cable stitches: These twisted stitches create dimensional texture and contribute to the wave motif throughout the design
• Lace stitches: Openwork lace elements add delicate drape and visual flow to the shawl
• Binding off: A specialized bind-off technique using larger needles ensures a flexible, non-restrictive edge finish

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Making Waves is knitted using fingering weight yarn, which creates a lightweight, drapey fabric perfect for shawls. The pattern accommodates multiple sizing options with specific yardage requirements:

• Small Making Waves: Colour A requires 100g/365m; Colour B requires 59g/215m
• Large Making Waves: Yardage specifications continue beyond the provided excerpt

The two-color construction allows for creative colorway combinations, making this pattern ideal for using contrasting or complementary yarn from your stash.

Tools and Equipment

• US4/3.5mm circular needles: 80cm length for main knitting
• US8/5mm needles: Used specifically for binding off to create a relaxed, flexible edge

Pattern Flexibility and Customization

One of Making Waves' standout features is its adjustable design, which accommodates real-world knitting scenarios. Whether you miscalculated your yarn quantity, discovered additional skeins in your stash, or simply want to customize the shawl to your exact specifications, the pattern allows you to control the outcome. You can knit to any desired length before beginning the wave pattern section, making this an excellent choice for stash-busting or creating a perfectly proportioned garment for your body.