Zagonal

Zagonal Knitted Shawl by Nim Teasdale

What is Being Made

Zagonal is a half-hexagon-shaped wrap designed by independent designer Nim Teasdale. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a warm and cosy shawl with a distinctive construction: the bind off occurs in the middle of the piece rather than at the end. The shawl features an engaging interplay between zigzagging lace sections and dynamic textured stripes, making it both visually interesting and enjoyable to knit.

Construction and Design Features

The shawl employs a flexible, adaptable construction that increases in size until approximately the last third of the project. At that point, the piece is partly bound off before decreasing down to a single stitch. This unique structure allows crafters to customize the finished size by adjusting the number of rows worked in both the texture stitch and lace sections. The formula for the stripe pattern is designed to be quick to memorise, and lace panels can be inserted at intervals of the knitter's choice, offering creative freedom within the pattern.

Ideal for Stash Busting and Color Play

Zagonal is particularly well-suited for showcasing two, three, or more skeins in contrasting or complementary colours. This makes it an excellent project for using up yarn stash or creating a multi-coloured statement piece. Variegated yarns also work beautifully in this design.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level pattern combines several knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture:

• Lace knitting: Zigzagging lace panels create an airy, delicate contrast to the textured sections
• Textured stripes: Dynamic textured stitches alternate with lace to add depth and visual movement
• Increases and decreases: The shawl's half-hexagon shape is achieved through strategic increases in the first two-thirds and decreases in the final third
• Bind off in the middle: An unconventional construction technique where the bind off occurs at the centre point rather than the conclusion

Materials and Gauge

Zagonal is designed to work across multiple yarn weights, from heavy fingering through to Aran weight. The pictured sample was knitted using 880 metres / 965 yards (approximately 3 skeins) of The Fibre Co. Cumbria Fingering yarn on 4mm (US size 6) needles. Since gauge and needle size will vary depending on the yarn weight selected, crafters should swatch and adjust accordingly. A stitch marker for tracking the spine of the shawl is recommended to keep construction clear and organised throughout the project.

Yarn Weight Flexibility

The pattern accommodates 4-ply, DK, lace, and sport weight yarns, making it adaptable to various yarn stashes and preferences. The sizing formula means that yardage requirements can be adjusted based on the specific yarn weight and desired finished dimensions, giving knitters control over the final garment size.