Receive 20% off the Chord Progression shawl through September 23 with the code CHORD.

Dazzling beaded zigzags alternate with lace and garter stitch along the bottom edges of this asymmetrical shawl. This fun pattern reminded me of stacking chord progressions in orchestral music.

The Chord Progression Shawl is worked on the bias from one tip to the opposite edge, making it possible to use up all or most of one’s yarn. The shawl begins with a few stitches. Increases along the top of the shawl are balanced by decreases at the divide between the stockinette main body and the lace zigzags. The last set of lace zigzags travels the full length of the row as part of the eye-catching edge.

The addition of beads is optional but provides a fun sparkle. If using beads, consider using a single color, two colors, or changing colors with every zigzag. The sample used about 45 grams of 6/0 seed beads, or approximately 550 beads.

Video on how to add beads to knitting:

Gauge is not critical for this pattern, but using a different yarn weight or needle size will affect the size of the finished shawl.

Instructions are both written and charted. The pattern contains notes about resizing the shawl if desired.

Size
58” / 147 cm in length and 18” / 46 cm deep at deepest point

Yarn
575 yds / 526 m of light fingering weight yarn

Sample shown in Miss Babs Tarte (75% superwash merino wool, 15% nylon, 10% tencel; 500 yds / 457 m per 4.3 oz / 122 g) in Pallon Beach (1 skein)

Needles
US Size 3 / 3.25 mm circular needles, at least 40” / 100 cm in length

Gauge
24 sts and 36 rows per 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette Stitch after blocking
27 sts and 36 rows per 4” / 10 cm in Zigzag pattern after blocking

Notions
Yarn needle, stitch marker
Approximately 45 grams of 6/0 seed beads and a 1.00 mm or smaller crochet hook (optional)

Thank you to Chinsocks, thisDebknits, kaybe08, katisha, and cjwray for test knitting!