Whatu Shawl Pattern - Free One-Skein Shawl Knitting Pattern
The Kākahu Shawls are a collection of one-skein shawl knitting patterns inspired by my experiences with traditional Māori weaving. This mini collection includes the Whatu Shawl and the Māwhitiwhiti Shawl (coming next week!)—two versatile designs that honor the connection between weaving and knitting.
In late 2020, I took an online class with Aho America to create my first ornamental kākahu (traditional Māori cloaks). As I learned the techniques, I noticed striking similarities between the weaving stitches and knitting stitches. This sparked the idea to translate these weaving techniques into knitting patterns, resulting in this unique collection.
The Whatu Shawl is named after the “whatu” technique, a foundational weaving stitch that anchors the threads. In this pattern, I have chosen to use a variation of the lateral braid to create a slip stitch effect that extends in a horizontal direction across the body of the shawl.The design reflects the beauty and simplicity of the stitch while showcasing how traditional art forms can inspire new creative interpretations.
These shawls are perfect for knitters who:
Enjoy mindful, meditative projects. The rhythmic, repetitive stitch patterns encourage a calming flow as you knit.
Love culturally inspired designs. The patterns celebrate traditional Māori weaving techniques, weaving history and meaning into every stitch.
Appreciate learning through making. With techniques inspired by weaving translated into knitting, these shawls offer a creative challenge that expands your skills.
Want a versatile, thoughtful project. The one-skein design makes these shawls perfect for gifting or creating something meaningful without a big time or yarn commitment.
The Kākahu Shawls invite you to explore the connection between craft traditions, to create with intention, and to carry forward a story of artistry and heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the meditative simplicity of the design, the chance to learn something new, or the opportunity to create a meaningful gift, these shawls are for you.
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Pattern Information
Yarn
Fingering/4-ply
Camellia Fiber Company White Tweed Sock (84% Merino, 16% Donegal Nep: 437 Yards; 400m/100g).
1 skein in Seafoam
Needles
US 3/3.25 mm and US 5/3.75 mm size or size needed to obtain gauge.
24 in./60 cm circular needle
Gauge
30 sts and 36 rows = 4 in./10 cm in St. st using US 5/3.75 mm after blocking.
Gauge is not crucial to these projects, but varying gauges can have an effect on final measurements and yardages.
Notions
Darning/tapestry needle
4 Stitch Markers
US H-8/5mm crochet hook
2 cable needles (optional)
Abbreviations
BO: bind off
CO: cast on inc’d: increased
k: knit
k2tog: right leaning dec; knit 2 together
kfb: knit 1 front and back kwise: as if to knit
LH: left-hand
M1L: make 1 left; with left needle, lift the yarn between the needles from the front, knit into the back of this loop
p: purl
p2tog: right leaning dec; purl 2 together
pfb: purl 1 front and back
p tbl: purl 1 through back loop
pwise: as if to purl
rep(s): repeat(s)
RH: right-hand
RS: right side
sl: slip 1
ssk: left leaning dec; slip, slip, knit together
st(s): stitch(es)
tbl: through back loop(s)
WS: wrong side
wyib: with yarn in back
wyif: with yarn in front
Pattern Instructions
Casting On
On a larger needle, cast on 5 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method.
Body
(1) In larger needle, work Stockinette Stitch Rows [1-2] 8 times (16 rows worked; 8 stitches increased).
Row 1 (RS): Slip knitwise with yarn in back, knit front and back (kfb), knit until the end (1 stitch increased).
Row 2 (WS): Slip purlwise with yarn in front, purl 2 together (p2tog), purl until 2 stitches from the end, knit front and back (pfb), purl 1.
(2) In smaller needle, work Whatu Stitch Rows [1-2] once.
Row 1 (RS): Slip knitwise with yarn in back, knit front and back (kfb), make 1 left (M1L). Slip this stitch onto the left needle.
Continue with the following steps:
Knit the 2nd stitch on the left needle through the back loop (tbl). Leave this stitch on the right needle.
Knit the 1st stitch on the left needle through the front loop.
Drop both stitches off the needle.
Slip the last stitch worked from the right needle to the left needle.
Repeat these steps until there are 2 stitches left on the needle.
Row 2 (WS): Slip purlwise with yarn in front, p2tog, p until 2 stitches from the end, pfb, p1.
Visit this tutorial for more guidance on this stitch.
In larger needle, work Stockinette Stitch Rows [1-2] 3 times (6 rows worked; 3 stitches increased).
Repeat Steps (1) and (2) until you have 20 grams of yarn left.
Bind-off using the I-Cord BO:
Cast on 2 stitches onto the left needle using the cable cast-on.
Knit 1, k2tog tbl (1 shawl stitch bound off).
Transfer the 2 stitches back onto the left needle.
Repeat from * until all shawl stitches are bound off, then k2tog.
Finishing
Weave in ends and block to smooth out stitches.
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