When I first began working on this pattern in 2021, knitting felt impossible. Struggling with mental illness, trauma, and the recent separation from my ex-husband, I set the project aside, unsure if I’d ever return to it. For years, it sat untouched, a quiet reminder of a creative spark I thought had burned out. It wasn’t until I found myself in a better place—after breakthroughs in my healing journey—that I picked it up again. Revisiting this design was like reconnecting with an old friend, one who waited patiently for my return.

Inspired by the Māori proverb Ka Mua Ka Muri—"walking backward into the future"—this shawl explores growth, resilience, and life's journey.

The arrow-like shape points forward, symbolizing hope and progress. Wrapping it around yourself feels like embracing everything that has come before. Each stitch represents a moment in time, a step on the path to self-discovery. This shawl encourages you to slow down, reflect, and honor both where you've been and where you're going.

This asymmetrical arrow-shaped shawl combines the simplicity of garter stitch with the striking visual impact of mosaic knitting.

Increases and decreases shape the shawl and create its signature curve.
One side transitions to flat-bias knitting.
Finished with an I-cord bind-off for a polished edge.

The Continuum Arrow Shawl is both approachable and engaging—a perfect project for adventurous beginners and seasoned knitters alike.

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Pattern Information

Yarn

DK weight yarns

Waifu Yarns, Squish DK (100% Super fine, Superwash Merino. 218 yards/200 meters).
- BC: Overcast
- CC1: Red Lip
- CC2: Golden Hour
- CC3: Totally Teal

Yardage:

BC: 3 skeins (602 yds/550 m)
CC1: 1 skein (218 yds/199 m)
CC2: 1 skein (205 yds/187 m)
CC3: 1 skein (196 g/180 m)

Needles

US size 7/4.5 mm size or size needed to obtain gauge, 32 in/80 cm (or longer) circular needle.
- A long circular needle is recommended in order to accommodate the large number of stitches as the shawl grows.

Gauge

22 sts and 36 rows over 4 in/10 cm in garter stitch with US size 7/4.5 mm, after blocking.
- Gauge is not crucial to this project, but varying gauges will affect yardage and final measurements.

Notions

Removable stitch markers
Darning/tapestry needle

Sizes

Wingspan: 83 in/211 cm
Long edge: 40 in/101.5 cm
Short edge: 13 in/33 cm
See schematic on page xx

Abbreviations

BC: background color
BO: bind off
CC: contrast color
cdd: centered double decrease; slip 2 stitches as if to knit 2 together, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over
cm: centim
inc’d: increased
k: knit
k2tog: right leaning dec; knit 2 together
k3tog: knit 3 together
kfb: knit 1 front and back
m: marker
mm: millim
oz: ounces
pm: place marker
purlwise: as if to purl
rep(s): repeat(s)
RS: right side
sl1: slip 1 purlwise
st(s): stitch; stitches
tbl: through back loop(s)
tog: together
WS: wrong side
wyb: with yarn in back
wyf: with yarn in front

Pattern Instructions

Construction

Casting On

With BC yarn and using the Long-Tail Cast-On method, cast on 5 sts. K 1 row.

Section 1 MARKER PLACEMENT

Set-up Row 1 (RS): Sl1 wyf, kfb, k1 (pm on this center st), kfb, k1 (7 sts). Mark RS.
Set-up Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, kfb, k1, sl1, k1, kfb, k1 (9 sts).

GARTER INCREASE SECTION #1

Garter Increase Row 1 (RS): (BC) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Garter Increase Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc’d; 1 st inc’d on each end).
Repeat Garter Increase Rows [1-2] 18 more times (47 sts; 23 sts). Stitch counts are given as (total st count; number of sts on each side of 1 marked center st).

MOSAIC INCREASE SECTION #1

Note: if you mark the repeats in Mosaic One, you will have to move your markers for the repeats in Mosaic Two and Three.

With CC1/CC2, work Mosaic One Rows [1-10] (57 sts; 28 sts).
With CC2/CC3, work Mosaic Two Rows [1-10] (67 sts total; 33 sts).
With CC3/CC1, work Mosaic Three Rows [1-10] (77 sts total; 38 sts).

GARTER INCREASE SECTION #2

With BC, work Garter Increase Rows [1-2] 19 times (115 sts; 57 sts).

MOSAIC INCREASE SECTION #2

With CC1 for CC3/CC2 for CC1, work Mosaic Three Rows [1-10] (125 sts; 62 sts).

GARTER INCREASE SECTION #3

With BC, work Garter Increase Rows [1-2] 17 times (159 sts; 79 sts).

SWITCH FROM INCREASE TO BIAS

When viewed from the RS, the right edge will continue to increase by 1 st every WS row, while the left side of the marked center st will have 79 sts without changing. Stitch counts are now given as (total st count; number of sts on right side of 1 marked center st).

With CC1/CC2, work Mosaic Four Rows [1-10] (164 sts total; 84 sts).
With CC2/CC3, work Mosaic Five Rows [1-10] (169 sts total; 89 sts).
With CC3/CC1, work Mosaic Six Rows [1-10] (174 sts total; 94 sts).

GARTER BIAS SECTION #1

Garter Bias Row 1 (RS): (BC) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Garter Bias Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc’d).
Repeat Garter Bias Rows [1-2] 16 more times (191 sts; 111 sts).

MOSAIC BIAS SECTION #1

With CC2 for CC1/CC3 for CC2, work Mosaic Four Rows [1-10] (196 sts; 116 sts).

GARTER BIAS SECTION #2

With BC, work Garter Bias Rows [1-2] 15 times (211 sts; 131 sts).

MOSAIC BIAS SECTION #2

With CC1/CC2, work Mosaic Four Rows [1-10] (216 sts total; 136 sts).
With CC2/CC3, work Mosaic Five Rows [1-10] (221 sts total; 141 sts).
With CC3/CC1, work Mosaic Six Rows [1-10] (226 sts total; 146 sts).

GARTER BIAS SECTION #3

With BC, work Garter Bias Rows [1-2] 13 times (239 sts; 159 sts).

MOSAIC BIAS SECTION #3

With CC3 for CC1/CC1 for CC2, work Mosaic Four Rows [1-10] (244 sts; 164 sts).

GARTER BIAS SECTION #4

With BC, work Garter Bias Rows [1-2] 11 times (255 sts; 175 sts).

MOSAIC BIAS SECTION #4

With CC1/CC2, work Mosaic Four Rows [1-10] (260 sts total; 180 sts).
With CC2/CC3, work Mosaic Five Rows [1-10] (265 sts total; 185 sts).
With CC3/CC1, work Mosaic Six Rows [1-10] (270 sts total; 190 sts).

Finishing

I-Cord BO: Cast 3 stitches on to the left needle using Cable Cast-On method, *k2, k2tog tbl (1 shawl stitch bound off), transfer the 3 sts back to the left needle; rep from * until all sts are bound off, then k3tog. Weave in ends.
Fill a sink with lukewarm water (and if you have any, add a small amount of wool wash). Submerge finished project in water, gently squeezing out any air bubbles from fabric.
Soak work for 10 to 15 minutes, or until fully saturated. Squeeze out excess water - do not wring or twist fabric.
Place your wet fabric between two large towels and stomp on towel roll. This will aid in removing extra moisture. Your fabric should feel damp but not saturated. Using T-pins or blocking wires, block the finished shawl to schematic measurements, using one pin for every “point”. Allow to air dry completely before unpinning.

Stitch Patterns & Charts

GARTER INCREASE

Row 1 (RS): (BC) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc’d; 1 st inc’d on each end).

GARTER BIAS

Row 1 (RS): (BC) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).

MOSAIC ONE

Row 1 (RS): (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 3: (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k1, sl1 wyb, *k3, sl1 wyb; rep from * to 4 sts before marked st, k3, cdd, k3, **sl1 wyb, k3; rep from ** to last 4 sts, sl1 wyb, k1, kfb, k1.
Row 4: Sl1 wyf, kfb, k2, sl1 wyf, *k3, sl1 wyf; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 5: (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *sl1 wyb, k1; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, cdd, **k1, sl1 wyb; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 6: Sl1 wyf, kfb, *k1, sl1 wyf; rep from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 7: (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k1, sl1 wyb, *k3, sl1 wyb; rep from * to 2 sts before marked st, k1, cdd, k1, **sl1 wyb, k3; rep from ** to last 4 sts, sl1 wyb, k1, kfb, k1.
Row 8: Sl1 wyf, kfb, k2, sl1 wyf, *k3, sl1 wyf; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, k1, sl1 wyf, k1, **sl1 wyf, k3; rep from ** to last 5 sts, sl1 wyf, k2, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 9: (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 10: Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).

MOSAIC TWO

Row 1 (RS): (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 3: (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k3, *sl1 wyb, k3; rep from * to 4 sts before marked st, sl1 wyb, k2, cdd, k2, **sl1 wyb, k3; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 4: Sl1 wyf, kfb, k4, *sl1 wyf, k3; rep from * to 3 sts before marked st, [sl1 wyf, k2] × 2, sl1 wyf, **k3, sl1 wyf; rep from ** to last 6 sts, k4, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 5: (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *sl1 wyb, k1; rep from * to 2 sts before marked st, sl1 wyb, cdd, **sl1 wyb, k1; rep from ** to last 3 sts, sl1 wyb, kfb, k1.
Row 6: Sl1 wyf, kfb, *k1, sl1 wyf; rep from * to marked st, sl1 wyf, **sl1 wyf, k1; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 7: (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *k3, sl1 wyb; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, cdd, **sl1 wyb, k3; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 8: Sl1 wyf, kfb, k1, *k3, sl1 wyf; rep from * to marked st, sl1 wyf, **sl1 wyf, k3; rep from ** to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 9: (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 10: Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).

MOSAIC THREE

Row 1 (RS): (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 3: (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k1, sl1 wyb, *k3, sl1 wyb; rep from * to 2 sts before marked st, k1, cdd, k1, **sl1 wyb, k3; rep from ** to last 4 sts, sl1 wyb, k1, kfb, k1.
Row 4: Sl1 wyf, kfb, k2, sl1 wyf, *k3, sl1 wyf; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, k1, sl1 wyf, k1, **sl1 wyf, k3; rep from ** to last 5 sts, sl1 wyf, k2, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 5: (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *sl1 wyb, k1; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, cdd, **k1, sl1 wyb; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 6: Sl1 wyf, kfb, *k1, sl1 wyf; rep from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 7: (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k1, *sl1 wyb, k3; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, cdd, **k3, sl1 wyb; rep from ** to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.
Row 8: Sl1 wyf, kfb, k2, *sl1 wyf, k3; rep from * to last 5 sts, sl1 wyf, k2, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).
Row 9: (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 10: Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (2 sts inc'd).

MOSAIC FOUR

Row 1 (RS): (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 3: (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k1, sl1 wyb, *k3, sl1 wyb; rep from * to 4 sts before marked st, k3, cdd, **k3, sl1 wyb; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 4: Sl1 wyf, k2, sl1 wyf, *k3, sl1 wyf; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 5: (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *sl1 wyb, k1; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, cdd, **k1, sl1 wyb; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 6: Sl1 wyf, k2, *sl1 wyf, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 7: (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k1, sl1 wyb, *k3, sl1 wyb; rep from * to 2 sts before marked st, k1, cdd, k1, **sl1 wyb, k3; rep from ** to last 5 sts, sl1 wyb, k2, kfb, k1.
Row 8: Sl1 wyf, k1, *k3, sl1 wyf; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, k1, sl1 wyf, k1, **sl1 wyf, k3; rep from ** to last 5 sts, sl1 wyf, k2, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 9: (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 10: Sl1 wyf, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).

MOSAIC FIVE

Row 1 (RS): (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 3: (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *k3, sl1 wyb; rep from * to 3 sts before marked st, k2, cdd, k2, sl1 wyb, **k3, sl1 wyb; rep from ** to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.
Row 4: Sl1 wyf, k3, *sl1 wyf, k3; rep from * to 3 sts before marked st, [sl1 wyf, k2] × 2, sl1 wyf, **k3, sl1 wyf; rep from ** to last 6 sts, k4, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 5: (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *sl1 wyb, k1; rep from * to 2 sts before marked st, sl1 wyb, cdd, **sl1 wyb, k1; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 6: Sl1 wyf, k3, sl1 wyf, *k1, sl1 wyf; rep from * to marked st, sl1 wyf, **sl1 wyf, k1; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 7: (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k3, *sl1 wyb, k3; rep from * to 2 sts before marked st, sl1 wyb, cdd, **sl1 wyb, k3; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 8: Sl1 wyf, k5, *sl1 wyf, k3; rep to 1 st before marked st, [sl1 wyf] × 3, **k3, sl1 wyf; rep from ** to last 6 sts, k4, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 9: (CC2) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 10: Sl1 wyf, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).

MOSAIC SIX

Row 1 (RS): (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyf, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 3: (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *k1, sl1 wyb, k2; rep from * to 4 sts before marked st, k1, sl1 wyb, k1, cdd, k1, sl1 wyb, k1, **k2, sl1 wyb, k1; rep from ** to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.
Row 4: Sl1 wyf, k3, *k1, sl1 wyf, k2; rep from * to 3 sts before marked st, [k1, sl1 wyf] × 3, k1, **k2, sl1 wyf, k1; rep from ** to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 5: (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *sl1 wyb, k1; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, cdd, **k1, sl1 wyb; rep from ** to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 6: Sl1 wyf, k2, *sl1 wyf, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 7: (CC1) Sl1 wyf, kfb, *k1, sl1 wyb, k2; rep from * to 2 sts before marked st, k1, cdd, k1, **k2, sl1 wyb, k1; rep from ** to last 5 sts, k3, kfb, k1.
Row 8: Sl1 wyf, k5, *k1, sl1 wyf, k2; rep from * to 1 st before marked st, k1, sl1 wyf, k1, **k2, sl1 wyf, k1; rep from ** to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).
Row 9: (CC3) Sl1 wyf, kfb, k to 1 st before marked st, cdd, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.
Row 10: Sl1 wyf, k to marked st, sl1 wyf, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (1 st inc'd).

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Continuum Arrow Shawl - Free Knitting Pattern