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# Celestial Cascade Shawl

This triangular shawl begins at the center top and grows outwards, featuring a simple garter stitch body that transitions into a delicate, airy mesh lace border. Worked on larger needles, the fabric ensures an open, fluid drape, perfectly highlighting the unique sparkle of paillettes yarn. This pattern is designed for intermediate knitters, focusing on clear instructions and consistent shaping.

**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Intermediate

**SIZE:** Customizable. Sample shown approximately 60 inches (152.5 cm) wingspan and 30 inches (76 cm) deep after blocking.

**YARN:**
YarnArt Paillettes (or any worsted weight yarn with similar properties)
Approximately 600-800 yards (550-730 meters)
*For an airy fabric, select a worsted weight yarn that drapes well.*

**NEEDLES:**
US 11 / 8 mm 32-inch (80 cm) or longer circular knitting needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

**NOTIONS:**
*   2 stitch markers (M)
*   Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
*   Blocking pins and mat

**GAUGE:**
14 stitches (sts) and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter Stitch, unblocked
*Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the desired airy fabric. Gauge is not critical but will affect final size and yarn usage.*

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**ABBREVIATIONS:**

*   **K:** knit
*   **P:** purl
*   **M:** marker
*   **PM:** place marker
*   **SM:** slip marker
*   **sts:** stitches
*   **yo:** yarn over
*   **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together
*   **RS:** right side
*   **WS:** wrong side
*   **CO:** cast on

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**SPECIAL TECHNIQUES:**

**Garter Tab Cast-On:**
A common method for top-down triangular shawls to create a neat, invisible start.
1.  CO 3 sts.
2.  Knit 6 rows. (You should have 3 garter ridges).
3.  Do not turn. Rotate your work 90 degrees clockwise. Pick up and knit 3 sts along the side edge of the 6 knitted rows (1 st for each garter ridge). (6 sts total).
4.  Rotate your work 90 degrees clockwise again. Pick up and knit 3 sts from the original cast-on edge. (9 sts total).
5.  Turn your work so the right side (RS) is facing you. (You are ready to begin the Set-Up Row).

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### PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

**SET-UP ROW (RS):** K2, PM, K5, PM, K2. (9 sts)
*You now have your 2 edge stitches, 2 markers, and a central spine stitch (the middle of the 5 sts between markers).*

**GARTER STITCH BODY**

The body of the shawl is worked in Garter Stitch (knit every row), with increases made on every RS row to shape the triangle.

**Increase Row 1 (RS):** K2, yo, SM, K to 1 st before M, yo, SM, K1 (center spine), SM, yo, K to 2 sts before next M, yo, K2. (13 sts)
*(Inline math validation: 9 sts + 4 increases = 13 sts)*

**Row 2 (WS):** K all sts. (13 sts)

Repeat **Increase Row 1** and **Row 2** until your shawl measures approximately 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) from the top center point along the spine, or until you have reached your desired Garter Stitch body depth. Note the total number of stitches on your needle when you are ready to start the lace border. Ensure you end with a WS row.

*Example:* If you work 50 RS rows in the Garter Stitch Body section, you will have `9 + (50 * 4) = 209 sts` before starting the Lace Border.

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**LACE BORDER**

The lace border uses a simple eyelet mesh pattern, continuing the 4-stitch increase rate on RS rows. The K2 edge stitches and the K1 center spine stitch will remain in Garter Stitch.

**Lace Pattern: Simple Eyelet Mesh (2-row repeat, worked over an even number of stitches)**

*   **Row 1 (RS):** \*yo, k2tog\*; repeat from \* to end.
*   **Row 2 (WS):** Purl all stitches.

*(Inline math validation: The Lace Pattern is stitch-count neutral within its repeats.)*

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**Continuing the shawl with the Lace Border:**

**Lace Border Row 1 (RS):**
K2, yo, SM, \*yo, k2tog\*; repeat from \* across to M, yo, SM, K1 (center spine), SM, yo, \*yo, k2tog\*; repeat from \* across to last 2 sts before next M, yo, K2.
*(Inline math validation: Increases 4 sts per RS row. Example: If you started the Lace Border with 209 sts, you will have `209 + 4 = 213 sts` after this row. The number of stitches between markers (your lace panels) will always be an even number, suitable for the Lace Pattern.)*

**Lace Border Row 2 (WS):**
K2, Purl to M, SM, K1 (center spine), SM, Purl to last 2 sts, K2.
*(Inline math validation: Stitch count remains unchanged from the previous row.)*

Repeat **Lace Border Row 1** and **Lace Border Row 2** until the shawl reaches your desired total depth, or you are running low on yarn (leave enough for a bind off).

**FINISHING**

**Bind Off (RS):** K2, \*K1, pass previous stitch over\*; repeat from \* to end. Bind off loosely to maintain the airy fabric and elasticity.
*(Inline math validation: This binds off all stitches.)*

**Weave in Ends:** Use a tapestry needle to neatly weave in any loose ends.

**Blocking:**
Blocking is essential for opening up the lace pattern and achieving the desired shape and drape.
1.  Gently hand wash your shawl in cool water with a small amount of wool wash or mild detergent.
2.  Rinse thoroughly, then gently squeeze out excess water without twisting or wringing.
3.  Lay the shawl flat on a clean towel and roll it up to remove more moisture.
4.  Unroll the shawl and lay it on a blocking mat. Using blocking pins, carefully stretch the shawl to its desired triangular shape, pinning out the points and edges. Pay special attention to opening up the eyelets in the lace border.
5.  Allow the shawl to air dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours depending on humidity.
6.  Once dry, unpin your beautiful Celestial Cascade Shawl and enjoy!