The Black Dahlia

The Black Dahlia Knitted Shawl by Threebagsfulled

Project Overview

The Black Dahlia is an advanced-level knitted shawl pattern designed by Threebagsfulled (© 2012 Hilary Designs). This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for experienced knitters seeking a sophisticated lace or textured shawl project with structured construction and detailed stitch work.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a substantial circular or crescent shawl worked from a cast-on edge outward. The shawl features a carefully organized stitch structure with multiple sections, indicated by strategic marker placement throughout the construction. The finished piece measures approximately 40 inches in width, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Technique

The Black Dahlia employs a methodical bottom-up construction method. The pattern begins with a generous cast-on of 258 stitches distributed into 18 repeating sections of 14 stitches each, with 3 edge stitches at either end. This architectural approach allows for balanced, symmetrical shaping. The pattern includes both written row-by-row directions and charted instructions, providing flexibility for knitters who prefer visual stitch charts or traditional written patterns.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This advanced pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with shaping techniques:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the base fabric
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (K2tog) for left-leaning and right-leaning decreases
• Purl two together (P2tog) for decrease shaping in purl sections
• Knit front and back (kf&b) for strategic increases
• Slip stitch (sl1) techniques for edge definition and stitch manipulation
• Stitch marker placement at 20 locations to track pattern repeats and section boundaries

The combination of decreases and increases, along with the multi-section repeat structure, suggests this shawl features lace or textured patterning with careful shaping to create the finished silhouette.

Materials Required

The Black Dahlia requires 480 yards of fingering weight yarn, approximately equivalent to one 100-gram skein of Wolle's Color Changing Cotton or similar fingering-weight fiber. The color-changing yarn option adds visual interest as stitches progress.

Needles: The pattern calls for two sizes of 40-inch circular needles—Size 8 needles for the initial cast-on only, and Size 6 needles for the main body work. The circular needle format accommodates the large stitch count and allows for the distributed marker placement essential to this pattern's structure.

Notions: 20 stitch markers and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends complete the required materials.

Skill Level

Designated as an advanced pattern, The Black Dahlia is best suited for knitters with solid experience in circular knitting, stitch marker management, and decrease techniques. Familiarity with reading both charted and written instructions is beneficial, as the pattern provides both formats.