How to Knit the Pi Shawl

Shawl Shapes Series
Written By Francoise Danoy
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Welcome to my new shawl construction series! I created this series for new and experienced knitters alike. Here, you'll break down the art and science behind different shawl shapes. Each post focuses on how to create mini prototypes.

We'll look at how shawl shapes are built. Increases and decreases play a big role in their structure. By understanding these basics, you'll feel more confident experimenting within the confines of the shapes.

This series is hands-on. I encourage you to knit mini prototypes for each shape. This gives you practical experience with key techniques. Whether you're trying new ideas or enjoying the process, these projects make concepts come alive.

What You’ll Need to Knit-Along

To follow along with the series, gather the following materials:

  • Yarn: One skein of DK weight yarn.

  • Needles: A pair of US 7 knitting needles.

  • Stitch Markers: At least four to mark key points in your shawl.

So, grab your needles and yarn. Let's demystify shawl construction together, one shape at a time!

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The Pi Shawl: Knitting Perfect Circles

The Pi Shawl is a classic circular shawl construction, beloved for its mathematical elegance and the stunning, seamless circle it produces. Unlike the Half-Pi (or half-circular) shawl worked flat, this version is knit in the round from the center outward. Its magic lies in a simple, repetitive formula that allows the fabric to expand exponentially into a perfect circle.

This shape is a rewarding project for knitters ready to explore construction beyond triangles and crescents. The rhythmic pattern of increase and rest rounds is meditative, and the final result, a perfect, seamless circle, just goes to show the cleverness of knitted geometry!

Understanding the Pi Principle

The structure is deceptively simple. The shawl grows by doubling your stitch count at specific intervals, then working a set number of plain rounds to allow the fabric to "rest" and expand.

  • The Formula: After the initial cast-on, you double your stitches every time the number of rounds you've worked matches the number of stitches you started with in that section.

  • Why it Works: This regular doubling at progressively wider intervals forces the knitting to flare out evenly in all directions, naturally forming a circle without any complicated shaping or short rows.

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Shape Instructions

Abbreviations:

  • CO: Cast On

  • K: Knit

  • Yo: Yarn Over

  • Rnd: Round

  • St(s): Stitch(es)

Set-Up & Instructions

  1. Cast On & Join: Using Emily Ocker’s cast-on (blog post coming soon!), CO 4 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Place a stitch marker to denote the beginning of the round.

  2. Section 1:

    • Rnd 1 (Increase): (K1, yo) around. (8 sts)

    • Rnds 2-3: Knit all sts. (2 rounds worked)

  3. Section 2:

    • Rnd 4 (Increase): (K1, yo) around. (16 sts)

    • Rnds 5-7: Knit all sts. (3 rounds worked)

  4. Section 3:

    • Rnd 8 (Increase): (K1, yo) around. (32 sts)

    • Rnds 9-15: Knit all sts. (7 rounds worked)

  5. Continue the Pattern: The next increase round would be worked after you have knit 16 plain rounds, and so on. Keep doubling the stitches on an increase round, then working one less plain round than the new stitch count before the next doubling (e.g., after doubling to 64 sts, you would work 31 plain rounds).

Continue in this manner until the shawl reaches your desired depth.

Tips for a Better Pi Shawl

  • Needles: Use a long circular needle. You may start on double-pointed needles (DPNs) but will switch to a long circular as the stitch count grows.

  • Yarn: This construction is perfect for laceweight yarn. The loose gauge and fine yarn allow the many stitches to block out into a light, ethereal circle.

  • Stitch Patterns: The "resting" rounds are your canvas. Replace the plain knit rounds with any circular lace pattern. The increase rounds provide a natural break between pattern repeats.

  • Flexibility is Key: The formula is a guide, not a rigid rule. Need an extra round to finish a lace pattern repeat? Knit it. The fabric's flexibility forgives small adjustments.

  • Blocking is Magic: Be prepared to block aggressively. A Pi Shawl looks like a lumpy bagel until it is pinned out. Soak it and stretch it thoroughly to reveal the beautiful, open circle.

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Take Your Shawl Knitting to the Next Level with Forming Shawls and Their Charts!

Have you ever admired the intricate beauty of shawl designs but felt intimidated by their construction? This e-book is your ultimate guide to mastering shawl design and charting techniques.

You’ll Discover 15 Unique Shawl Shapes

  • 10 knit flat

  • 5 knit in the round

Each shape comes with detailed written instructions and charts to help you understand construction and design flow.

Skills You’ll Learn:

  • How to calculate stitch and row counts quickly

  • Adjusting garter tab cast-ons for your designs

  • Substituting increases to fit your project

  • Seamlessly working stitch patterns into shawl shapes

Bonus Resources:

  • Tips and Tricks: Expert advice to demystify shawl design

  • Video Tutorials: Step-by-step demonstrations of key techniques

Whether you’re a beginner ready to experiment or an experienced knitter looking to elevate your designs, Forming Shawls and Their Charts is the perfect tool to unlock endless creative possibilities in the world of shawls.

🎉 Download your copy today and start designing stunning shawls with confidence! 🎉

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Francoise Danoy
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Customizable Whakamarie Top – Free Knit Pattern for Flat or In-the-Round