María Shawl by Miriam Walchshäusl

María Shawl

Knitting
DK (11 wpi) ?
21 stitches and 38 rows = 4 inches
in Maria Pattern (Slip stitch in two colors)
US 7 - 4.5 mm
503 yards (460 m)
Onesize
English German
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Finished garment measurements after blocking:
A 144 cm 56½’’ x B 85 cm 33½’’; Depth = 40 cm 15¾’’

Yarn: dLana “La Madrilana DK” (235m 257 yd per 100 gr 3.5 oz), DK weight yarn (100% Merino); 2 skeins total (approx. 460 m 503 yd) in two contrasting colors:
 1 skein of Color A (230 m 251 yd),
 1 skein of Color B (230 m 251 yd).
My sample is knit in dLana La Madrilana DK, colorways “Corazón de tejedora - #010” (A, red), “Fresca ácida - #02” (B, pink).

Needles: 4.5 mm/US7 needles of your choice or needle size to obtain gauge

Blocked gauge: 21 sts x 38 rows = 10 cm 4” in María stitch pattern
Tipp: Slip-stitch patterns have a certain density, so I recommend to knit a bit on the looser side or try this yarn in lightweight airy yarns.

Notions: stitch markers, waste yarn/stitch holder, tapestry needle, 245 cm 96 ½“ knitting cable for knitting the i-cord in the round (optional; alternative Magic Loop method), crochet hook 3.5 mm/US E/4

Construction notes: María Shawl is a shallow, triangular shawl, knit out of two skeins of DK weight yarn in contrasting colors. The unique construction begins at the center of a pentagon and works outward in a two-toned slip stitch pattern. Increases are worked concentrically to build a star shaped inner form. Stitches are then picked up and the shawl wings are worked separately. An outer striped border creates depth and a 3D effect which is aided by an i-cord edging and a slim crochet trim, giving the shawl a romantic detail to counteract the hard contrasts.

Inspiration: This pattern is inspired by María Zambrano.
María was a Spanish philosopher whose deep insights remind us of the power of thought and kindness.
Zambrano once said, “The most worthy task of thought is to try to bring some light to the darkness of the human heart.” To her, thinking wasn’t just about solving problems—it was about understanding the deeper emotions within ourselves and others, and offering warmth and clarity where it’s most needed. The María Shawl reflects a journey. Beginning from the center, like a small spark of light, the pattern grows outward, expanding in gentle, graceful movements. As the shawl unfolds, the interplay of colors and textures represents the balance between light and dark, reminding us that we have the power to bring light even to the darkest places. Every row, every stitch is a reminder that we can always offer warmth and understanding to others, one small step at a time.