Dive into the Construction of the 3/4 Shawl

The 3/4 Shawl - The Triangular Shawl Reimagined

Today, we examine the 3/4 Shawl - a continuous construction that creates the visual effect of three merged triangles while being worked as one unified piece.

The 3/4 Shawl is worked from the center outward in a single continuous fabric. The design creates the appearance of three triangular sections through strategic placement of increases and markers, though it's actually constructed as one cohesive whole. The "3/4" name reflects the visual segmentation rather than separate components.

This construction method features:

• Two “spines” with mirrored increases

• Strategic marker placement to delineate sections

• Continuous knitting without seams or joins

• Systematic increases that shape the entire fabric

The shawl begins with a garter tab cast-on, establishing the foundation for growth in all directions. As you work, increases are placed at regular intervals to form what appear to be distinct triangular sections, though the knitting remains continuous throughout.

What makes this construction special is how it creates complex visual geometry through simple, repetitive knitting. The pattern may look intricate, but it's built on fundamental techniques:

• Regular yarnover increases

• Consistent edge stitches

• Logical marker placement

• Predictable right-side/wrong-side patterning

For beginners, I recommend starting with the mini prototype to understand how the increases create the shawl's distinctive shape. The small-scale version demonstrates how strategic placement of just a few increases can transform flat knitting into a beautiful, dimensional wrap.

The beauty of this design lies in its flexibility. While the construction remains constant, you can personalise your shawl through:

• Yarn choice (solid, variegated, or gradient)

• Stitch pattern variations

• Size adjustments

• Border treatments

As you knit, you'll discover how simple techniques combine to create sophisticated results - a perfect example of how knitting transforms basic stitches into wearable art.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Set-Up

Garter tab cast-on: CO 3 sts. Knit 10 rows. Turn work 90 degrees and pick up 5 sts. Turn work 90 degrees again and pick up 3 sts. You will have 11 sts on the needle.

Working the Body of the Shawl

Marker placement: K3, pm1, k1, pm2, k1, pm3, k1, pm4, k1, pm5, k1, pm6, k3.

Row 1 (RS): K3, sm1, yo, k until marker, yo, sm2, k1, sm3, yo, k until marker, yo, sm4, k1, sm5, k until marker, yo, sm6, k3. (6sts increased)

Row 2 (WS): K3, sm1, p until marker 6, sm6, k3.

Rep. rows 1 and 2 until you have reached your desired depth. BO.