The Drifting Dune Sideways Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Modern, Asymmetrical Wrap

Introduction: The Art of the Sideways Shawl

Embrace the art of slow fashion with the Drifting Dune Sideways Shawl. This uniquely constructed wrap is knit from one long edge to the opposite point, using short rows to create a modern, asymmetrical shape that drapes beautifully over the shoulders. The pattern features a mesmerizing interplay of garter stitch and slipped stitch textures, resulting in a rich, woven effect that is both cozy and elegant. Designed for worsted weight yarn, this shawl works up quickly and is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills with short rows and slipped stitches. The finished piece is a sophisticated accessory that adds a touch of modern desert-inspired style to any outfit.

Materials Needed

Yarn

• Weight: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4)
• Amount: Approximately 420 yards (384 meters)
• Sample Yarn: Malabrigo Rios (100% Superwash Merino Wool) in 'Piedras'

Needles & Notions

• Needle: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle, 32 inches or longer (to accommodate the large number of stitches)
• Notions: Stitch markers (optional), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking pins and mats

Gauge

18 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Garter Stitch (after blocking). Take time to check your gauge for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl1 wyif: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn held in front
• Sl1 wyib: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn held in back
• W&T: Wrap and turn (bring yarn to front, slip next stitch purlwise, bring yarn to back, return slipped stitch to left needle, turn work)
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, then knit them together through back loops)
• BO: Bind off

Getting Started: The Foundation

CO 3 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): K3.
Row 2 (WS): K1, Sl1 wyif, K1.
Row 3: K1, Sl1 wyib, K1.
Row 4: K1, Sl1 wyif, K1.

Increase Section: Building the Shawl

In this section, you will work progressively more stitches on each RS row before performing a wrap and turn. This creates the asymmetrical shape.

Row 5 (RS): K1, Sl1 wyib, K1, W&T. (3 stitches worked, 0 unworked)
Row 6 (WS): K1, Sl1 wyif, K1.
Row 7: K1, Sl1 wyib, K1, K1 (knit the wrapped stitch), W&T. (4 stitches worked, 0 unworked)
Row 8: K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1.
Row 9: K1, Sl1 wyib, K1, K1, W&T. (5 stitches worked, 0 unworked)
Row 10: K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1, K1.

Continue in this manner, working one more stitch each RS row before the W&T, until you have 30 stitches on the needle. The WS rows will always be: K1, Sl1 wyif, then knit to end.

Body Section: The Main Pattern Repeat

Repeat this section for your desired shawl length. Each repeat creates one "wedge" of the shawl.

Row 1 (RS): K1, Sl1 wyib, K1, K1, W&T. (4 stitches worked, 26 unworked)
Row 2 (WS): K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1.
Row 3: K1, Sl1 wyib, K1, K1, K1, W&T. (5 stitches worked, 25 unworked)
Row 4: K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1, K1.
Row 5: K1, Sl1 wyib, K1, K1, K1, K1, W&T. (6 stitches worked, 24 unworked)
Row 6: K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1, K1, K1.

Continue this pattern, working one more stitch each RS row before the W&T, until you have worked all 30 stitches on the RS. The last RS row will have no W&T.

Decrease Section: Shaping the Point

This section creates the pointed end of the shawl by decreasing stitches.

Row 1 (RS): K1, Sl1 wyib, K2tog, K1, W&T. (4 stitches worked, 26 unworked)
Row 2 (WS): K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1.
Row 3: K1, Sl1 wyib, K2tog, K1, K1, W&T. (5 stitches worked, 25 unworked)
Row 4: K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1, K1.
Row 5: K1, Sl1 wyib, K2tog, K1, K1, K1, W&T. (6 stitches worked, 24 unworked)
Row 6: K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1, K1, K1.

Continue this pattern, working one more stitch each RS row before the W&T, until you have worked all 30 stitches on the RS. The last RS row will have no W&T.

Repeat the Body and Decrease sections until the shawl reaches your desired length (sample is 60 inches along the long edge). End after a Decrease section.

Final Decrease: Finishing the Point

Row 1 (RS): K1, Sl1 wyib, K2tog, K1, W&T. (4 stitches worked, 26 unworked)
Row 2 (WS): K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1.
Row 3: K1, Sl1 wyib, K2tog, K1, K1, W&T. (5 stitches worked, 25 unworked)
Row 4: K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1, K1.
Row 5: K1, Sl1 wyib, K2tog, K1, K1, K1, W&T. (6 stitches worked, 24 unworked)
Row 6: K1, Sl1 wyif, K1, K1, K1, K1.

Continue until only 3 stitches remain. BO loosely.

Finishing

Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Block gently by soaking in lukewarm water, gently squeezing out excess water (do not wring), and laying flat to dry. Pin to open up the stitch pattern and even out the edges. Allow to dry completely before wearing.

Your Drifting Dune Sideways Shawl is complete! Enjoy the modern, asymmetrical drape and the rich, textured fabric you've created.