Mementos Shawl

Mementos Shawl by Jenny Faifel

What is Being Made

The Mementos Shawl is a downloadable knitting pattern for an elegant wrap-style shawl designed by Jenny Faifel. This intermediate-level project creates a sophisticated triangular wrap with finished measurements of 71 inches (180 centimeters) along the top edge and 19 inches (48 centimeters) in width. The design features a unique construction method that combines two triangular sections joined together, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a traditional shawl wrap.

Construction Technique

The Mementos Shawl employs a top-down triangular construction method. The pattern begins with an I-Cord tab cast-on, a technique that creates a neat, finished edge at the beginning of the project. The first triangle is worked from the top down to the desired height, after which the left-side stitches are bound off while the right-hand side stitches remain live on the needles. A second similar triangle is then constructed, and the two triangular sections are seamlessly joined together using the Kitchener stitch, a grafting technique that creates an invisible seam between live stitches.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• I-Cord Tab Cast-On: Creates a decorative, finished starting edge by working a small I-cord and picking up stitches along its length
• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the shawl, created by knitting every row for a textured, reversible fabric
• Kitchener Stitch: A grafting technique used to join the two triangle sections with live stitches, creating a seamless connection
• Provisional Cast-On: Used with waste yarn to create stitches that can later be picked up, essential for the I-cord tab construction
• Slip Stitch Purlwise: Used during the I-cord tab setup to create proper tension and edge definition
• Pick Up and Knit: Technique used to pick up stitches from the I-cord edge to begin the main body of the shawl

Yarn and Materials

The Mementos Shawl pattern calls for Miss Babs Yummy 2-ply yarn, which is composed of 100% Merino fiber. This yarn is fingering weight with approximately 400 yards (366 meters) per 113 grams (3.99 ounces) per skein. The sample shown in the pattern was worked in two colors: Blackbird as the main color (MC) and Muslin as the contrast color (CC). The pattern requires 2 skeins of the main color and 1 skein of the contrast color, totaling approximately 1,200 yards of yarn for the complete project.

Needles and Tools

• Circular Needles: US #4 (3.50mm) needles in 32-inch (80-centimeter) length; 2 pairs are required for working the shawl
• Gauge: 22 stitches per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in Garter Stitch using US #4 (3.50mm) needles and blocked
• Additional Tools: 1 stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, a crochet hook for provisional cast-on setup, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing

Difficulty Level and Yarn Weight

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The use of 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights provides flexibility in material selection while maintaining the intended drape and finished dimensions of the shawl. The fingering-weight yarn creates a lightweight, elegant fabric that blocks beautifully and showcases stitch definition in the Garter Stitch pattern.