Tribal Traces African Sampler Shawl
As a passionate traveler, I love to collect the beautiful work of local artisans, and my recent adventures in lace knitting have inspired me to create a stunning scarf, shawl, or wrap based on a vibrant painted cloth I discovered in South Africa. This unique knitting pattern captures the essence of that artwork, allowing you to bring a piece of international culture into your own home.
In the photos, you can see two distinctive pieces I've completed. The first wrap, knit in 2-ply laceweight yarn, was created using 3.25mm knitting needles and measures an elegant 25x160cm. The second piece, which more closely reflects the vivid colors and patterns of the original painted cloth, utilizes 4-ply fingering wool on 3.5mm needles, resulting in a generous size of 35x230cm. This versatile design can be tailored to your personal style and creative vision.
For the lace-weight wrap, I used just one 80-gram skein of superwash wool, leaving a fair amount of yarn leftover for additional projects or embellishments. In contrast, the fingering weight shawl required two 100-gram skeins, with only a small leftover piece to spare. This pattern facilitates creativity, enabling you to select yarns that resonate with your aesthetic while also providing ample opportunity for experimentation.
Each piece features two identical panels, intricately knit and then skillfully grafted together using the Kitchener stitch. This technique not only enhances the beauty of the finished product but also ensures a seamless join that elevates the overall design. Each panel consists of six sections, allowing for both simplicity and complexity in your knitting experience.
Importantly, gauge is not a critical factor for this pattern, making it accessible to knitters of all skill levels. Whether you're an experienced crafter or a beginner looking for a rewarding project, this scarf, shawl, and wrap pattern celebrates the art of knitting while paying homage to a unique cultural piece. Dive into your next knitting adventure and create a stunning piece that’s bound to turn heads!
Download our free and paid knitting patterns today and let your creativity flow as you embark on this beautiful knitting journey!
