Picture yourself curled up next to a twinkling Christmas tree on Christmas Eve night. Slightly chilled as you sit just outside the glowing, crackling fire, you reach for a light, thoroughly Christmas shawl (of course!). Here is a mix of sparkling snowflakes, bedecked and ribboned packages, strands of cranberry-colored lights, and holly-trimmed packages to complete any seasonal outfit.

This shawl is knit from the bottom up. Each side will decrease two stitches on each RS row., creating a nice clean edge.

The top tends to curl down when knit all the way to the top of the chart. If you prefer not to have such a peak, you can stop decreases at any time and either work extra sts as a stockinette border in the holly panel or work them into the holly pattern. Another option is to add garter stripes to the top to strengthen the border and discourage curling.

CC1 - Madelinetosh Tosh DK, 100gm, 100% superwash merino; 225 yds/205m sample used 180 yds/80gm Moorland

CC2 - Hand Maiden Fine Yarns Nomad; 100gm, 80% Merino, 20% Yak; 217 yds/200m sample used 160 yds/74gm OOAK Burgandy

CC3 - Hand Maiden Fine Yarns Whisker; 50gm, 50% Superkid Mohair, 38% Wool, 12% Nylon; 217 yds/200m sample used 217 yds/50gm Natural Note: Sample used entire skein of this color

CO cast on
CC contrasting color
k knit
p purl
RS right side
WS wrong side
st/sts stitch(es)
YO yarn over
YO2 yarn over twice
k2tog knit two together
kfb knit into the front and back of the same st
ssk slip, slip, knit
sl1wyib slip one with working yarn in back
sl1wyif slip one with working yarn in front
sk2p slip two sts, knit one st, pass first two sts over knit st
p2tog purl 2 together
sl slip sts purlwise without working
kyok knit, YO, knit into one st
CDD central double decrease