Cassini Shawl

Inspired by the end of the 20-year Cassini mission to study

Saturn, its spectacular rings and secretive moons.

Pattern includes striped and gradient yarn options.

Visit the blog for more information about this project including more
photos, helpful technique links & 20 minute online video class.
blog.knittingnuances.com

Laura Cunitz for KnittingNuances.com Page 1 Copyright 2017

 Cassini Shawl

Reference Page

Gauge
‣ Label gauge 5 to 5.5 sts per 1”( 20-22 per 10 cm) in stockinette.
‣ Option 2: smaller gauge knit on US 6. See Berroco Nebula below.
‣ Gauge in garter = 4.5 sts on US 6 or 7(4 - 4.5 mm)

Yarn
DK weight merino, merino blend or alternate smooth yarn with some
give. A neutral as the MC, a strong contrast for the stripes and 2 band
colors. Neutral does not mean is has to be a light color.
‣ Sample: Coop Knits, Sock Yeah DK, 75% Fine Superwash Merino
Wool, 25% Nylon, 50g = 112m/122 yds, 20 - 22 sts per 4” on US
5 -7 (4 - 4.5 mm). Colors: 202, 203, 210, 206. Knit on US 6.
‣ Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK, 66% merino superwash, 34% tussah Stitch Notes
silk, 50g = 135m/148 yds, 22 sts per 4” on US 6 (4mm). Wrap 2 Sts (W2)
Colors: Tan 690, white 671, gray 672, blue 677. Knit on US 7.
‣ sl2 to right needle, yarn forward, sl2 back to left
‣ Gradient Yarn: Berroco Nebula, 100% superwash Merino, 100g = needle. When preparing to work next stitch, bring
380m/416 yds, 26 sts = 4” on US 3 (3.25mm). Knit on US 6 (4mm). yarn around the front of the needle tip (not as if to
Color 7503 yarn over).
Yardage For this pattern, the yarn will always be slipped with
yarn in back. Sl2 wyib, yo to the front, slip 2 sts back,
‣ 2 ball/skeins of neutral main, 1 ball/skein of 3 contrasting colors.
bring yarn around front of tip to work a k2tog. See
Most of each ball is used except for CC2 which has a 20% remaining.
photo tutorial on last page.
‣ 1 Skein of gradient yarn (option: 2 for larger shawl)
K1 f&b
Needles
‣ knit 1 front & back
‣ Circular needles 32” + long. Generally 1 size larger than ball gauge
Used as an increase on the right edge. It is worked
(since garter is dense). Samples knit on US 6 (4mm) or 7 (4.5mm)
into the yarn over from the prior row. Also used to add
sts between raised Showy Lines.

K2f&b
Abbreviations Setting Showy Lines ‣ knit into front & back of 2 sts.
Every few rows, tug gently on the k2tog, leave on left needle and knit into the back of
k knit both sts. Starts with 2 sts, ends with 2 sts.
Showy stitches just below the
k2tog knit 2 together needle. Before blocking do the same Used at the right edge of shawl and on the Knitted
k1f&b knit 1 front & back again, holding the top and bottom of Bind Off. Don’t let first st be too loose.
about 5 Showy Line sets and pulling
k2f&b knit 2 front & back M1L
gently. You’ll be able to feel the
m1L make 1 loop
stitches lengthen and set in place.
‣ make 1 loop: add a backward twisted strand of
yarn to right needle.
p purl
Used as an alternative to yo with the left most Showy
slip as if to purl, w/ Decrease next to the decreasing left edge sts.
sl
yarn in back
slip as if to purl, w/
sl1 wyif Facebook Twitter Pinterest Wordpress
yarn in front Our You Tube channel includes a
w2 wrap 2 sts tutorial for the Knotted K2Tog Bind
yo yarn over
Off which uses the wrapped k2tog.

Laura Cunitz for KnittingNuances.com Page 2 Copyright 2017

 Cassini Shawl

Introduction to Showy Decrease

Look! The right & left
leaning decreases match!
How It Works
The Showy Decrease is a line of decreases, k2tog or ssk for example, joined together with a slip
stitch on the next wrong side row or round. That’s it, a simple idea that will have an amazing
impact on your knitting. It turns a decrease into a decorative element.

It’s Not Hard to Knit

It’s actually easier to knit a Showy Decrease pattern. The ability to see the next decrease when
knitting on the right side (you’ll see, it’s really noticeable) means you don’t need to count how
many stitches until the next decrease.
Same thing on the wrong side – you’ll spot the 2 strands of the k2tog and know just where to
slip. You’ll be amazed how much simpler this makes your knitting so don’t be afraid that it’s too
complicated – it’s just the opposite. In class I make the students turn over the instructions half
way through the swatch so they can learn to spot the stitches as they knit. Give it a try, it’s very
important when knitting the shawl. There is an entire category
of our blog dedicated to the
Showy Decrease.
blog.KnittingNuances.com

It Works with Garter Stitch Too

The partner stitch in the k2tog is still a purl stitch. The 2-stitch Showy Decrease is boxed here to
help you visualize the flow. If this is your first time reading about Showy Garter, please download our
free 21-page ebook “Intro to Showy Garter” available for free on Ravelry. It includes a multi-page
tutorial and several easy projects to get started. Use this link or search Ravelry for Laura Cunitz. Try knitting
the
second ha
lf of this
swatch with
Cast on 25 sts out lookin
a the patte g
R1(RS): knit rn.
R2 (WS): k2, * k5, sl1wyif, p1*, k2
R3: k2, *k2tog, yo, k5* k2
R4: k1, sl1wyif, p1,* k5, sl1wyif, p1*, k1
R5: k1, *k2tog, yo, k5* k2tog, yo, k1
R6: k2, sl1wyif, p1,* k5, sl1wyif, p1*, k7
R7: k7, *k2tog, yo, k5* k2tog, yo, k2
R8: k3, sl1wyif, p1,* k5, sl1wyif, p1*, k6
R9: k6, *k2tog, yo, k5* k2tog, yo, k3
R10: k4, sl1wyif, p1,* k5, sl1wyif, p1*, k5
R11: k5, *k2tog, yo, k5* k2tog, yo, k4
R12: knit
bind off

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 Cassini Shawl

Pattern Overview

None of the techniques listed below are difficult but the attention to details is what
makes this shawl stand out from others.

‣ Cast On: The curved triangle shawl is worked from just a few stitches to the wider
bind off edge. This starts with our Resilient Cast On whose nubby edge flows into
the knotted increases of the shawl’s edge. Link to more about the Resilient Cast
On (including a video).

‣ Shaping: The larger striped crescent is elongated. The left side edge is longer than
the bind off edge. The gradient shawl is more symmetric. There are 3 factors that
contribute to the shape:

1. Increases: the shawl starts with 6 sts and adds 1 st to the right edge every
RSR.
2. Additional increases are added between Showy Lines: A new Showy line is
added every 8 garter stitches. A k1f&b increase is worked at regular intervals
growing the number of stitches between raised lines resulting in a wider cast off
edge. There are fewer k1f&b increases in the striped version which has a longer
narrower shape than the gradient.
3. Bias shaping: On WSRs a k2tog decrease on the left edge is paired with a yarn
over increase on the right edge to lean the entire piece to the right and create
the crescent shape.

‣ Showy Lines: There are 8 garter sts between each Showy Line to start. A new
Showy Line is added on the right edge whenever the increases add enough sts.
- Showy Decreases are worked [k2tog, yo] except for the initial line that runs
along the left decrease edge. That one is worked [k2tog, make 1 loop].

‣ Stripes: Colors are always changed on right side rows. A smoother color
transitions is achieved by eliminating all purl sts on the initial right side row.
- The stripes were purposefully designed from wide to narrow. You can modify Visit our You Tube Channel for a
the last few 2-row stripes based on the personal preference and the amount of design overview and a 20-minute
yarn you have remaining. There will be more of CC2 remaining based in this video class to help you get started.
stripe pattern. There’s a stripe table on page 7 with an extra column to mark
your colors and progress.
- Note: The first contrasting color (navy in shawl to the right) should be the most
contrasting to the main color. I did not do that in the soft blue and tan shawl. I
Counting Showy Decreases
used the lilac gray color and it did not have enough contrast. I added a few
rows of CC2 (white) since there is more of that color available. That means you Counting Showy sets is easier than rows.
should use the bold colored shawl as reference for stripes (or design your own!). 1 Showy Decrease = 2 rows of garter.

‣ Edges: The pretty nub edges and bind off are created by wrapping 2 sts together
and by working the 2 edge sts with the purl bumps to the right side. If wrapping
the stitches is too much effort, you can eliminate the wrap part and work the k2tog
and k2b&f without it. The gradient shawl was worked this way.

‣ Bind Off: The 3 row Knotted Bind Off is one of the highlights of this shawl. It
alternates a modified k2tog bind off with a standard psso bind off resulting in the
contrast and knotted look. A little more time, but it’s well worth it.

‣ Blocking: Wet blocking is essential for the look of the shawl. It adds drape which 5 Sets Shown Here.
highlights the Showy Lines. It also adds necessary length.

Laura Cunitz for KnittingNuances.com Page 4 Copyright 2017

 Cassini Shawl

Repeat Chart

Adding the First Showy Line Increase edge Bind off edge
shaping
increase on
k1f&b here to add
RSRs
sts to section

8 garter sts 2 Showy

to start Dec. sts
bias shaping bias shaping
on WSRs on WSRs k1f&b increases are added in
(decrease) (increase) the sections between raised
10 Stitch Showy Line Repeat in green box Showy Decrease lines.

Sizes

Bind Off

Width

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Chart Legend

Coop Knits Rowan Berroco

dge
Left E se) Knit Blocked Knit Blocked Knit Blocked
a
(decre
Edge Left Edge 52” 58” 52” 66” 38” 45”
Right se)
n c re a
(i
Width 17” 18” 16” 18” 12” 13”
n
Cast O Bind Off 37” 40” 40” 45” 37” 45"

Reading Charts
We’ve provided both written and charted
instructions. However, it is much easier to read
charts with the Showy Decreases. We have a chart
tutorial available in the Free Download section of our
website to help. KnittingNuances.com

Laura Cunitz for KnittingNuances.com Page 5 Copyright 2017

 Cassini Shawl

Knitting Instructions for Gradient Yarns

This gradient version is more symmetric than the striped version because more stitches are
added to the sections between Showy Lines.
‣ Cast on 9 sts with MC
‣ Slide all sts to other side of needle. Without the working yarn * [slip 2, psso], sl1* (6 sts)
‣ Setup rows:
1. (RS) k2f&b, m1L, k2, p2 (now 7 sts)
2. (WS) k2tog, k3, yo, k2
3. (RS) k2f&b, k1f&b, k2, p2 (now 8 sts)
4. (WS) k2tog, k1, sl1 wyif, p1, k1, yo, k2
‣ Repeat rows: (adds 1 st every RSR)
- (RS) k2f&b, k1f&b, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, m1L, p2 See more photos in the blog post.
- (WS) k2tog, k1, sl1 wyif, p1, knit to last 2 sts, yo, k2

Follow the instructions for the following 2 features at the same time.
Read the Pattern in your Knitting
1. Adding new Showy Decrease Lines
Once you add sts to sections, you
Add your first additional Showy Decrease line when there are 19 sts as counted after RSR. won’t be able to count sts any
(WS) start as always with (k2tog, k1, sl1 wyif, p1) finish the remaining 14 sts like this: longer. Trust you eyes, you can
- k8, sl1 wyif, p1, k2, yo, k2 (row 1 in chart on page 5) see the established pattern in the
The following RSR will have an new Showy Line next to the right edge. For example, here’s knit fabric. On WSRs, the yarn
the row following the WSR above: over is your indication that the
next st is slipped. You should also
- (RS) k2f&b, k1f&b, k2, k2tog, yo*, k8, k2tog, m1L, p2
be able to see the double strands
Add future Showy Lines as above when 14 remaining sts after the purl st in the last Showy from the k2tog on the RSR and
line as counted on the WSR. The last 14 sts are worked as above. know to slip that stitch. Peek to
‣ Continuing Stitch Pattern: the repeat rows now look like this: the RS to confirm.

- (RS) k2f&b, k1f&b, *knit to 1 st before decrease, k2tog, yo*, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, m1L, p2
Total
- (WS) k2tog, k1, sl1 wyif, p1, *knit to next yo, p1, sl1 wyif, p1*, knit to last 2 sts, yo, k2 Section Sts Added
Garter Sts
2. Adding stitches to sections Left 4 5 13
There will be 12 sections between Showy Decrease lines. Each section starts with 8 garter Center 5 3 11
sts (does not include the Showy sts). The longer sections have more stitches added. Right 3 1 9
- Stitches are added to each section with a k1f&b just before the k2tog in that section.
Increase approximately every 20 sets of each line. This staggers the increases. Adding Stitches to Sections
- See table to right for number of sts to add to each section.
There are about 120 Showy
- (RS for just increase section): *knit to 2 sts before slipped line, k1f&b, k2tog, yo*
Decrease sets along the left side
‣ Bind Off (worked over 3 rows). Replace yarn over in Showy Decreases with k1f&b of the shawl (longest). Space
- (RS) k2f&b, k1f&b, *knit to 1 st before Showy, k2tog, k1f&b*, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, m1L, p2 sectional k1f&b evenly increases
- (WS) k2tog, *k1, p1* along each section. However, the
- (RS) work Knotted Bind Off (see last page) increases don’t have to be
perfectly spaced. Every time you
‣ Finishing:
start a new Showy Decrease line
• Prior to blocking set all Showy Lines by holding the top and bottom of about 5 Showy take a look at the sections to see
Decrease sets and pulling gently. You’ll be able to feel the stitches lengthen and set in place. where stitches need to be added
• Wet block the shawl, soaking it for about 15 minutes, gently roll out excess in towel. Lie flat to with a goal of adding all sts prior
shape the shawl into crescent. Do not stretch too much. Straighten each Showy Line and to bind off (stagger them).
repeat gentle tug process. Run your finger along right edge to separate yarn over increases.

Laura Cunitz for KnittingNuances.com Page 6 Copyright 2017

 Cassini Shawl

Knitting Instructions for stripes

Please read side bar on prior page for some helpful tips. Color Sample Yours

‣ Cast on 9 sts with MC MC Gray

‣ Slide all sts to other side of needle. Without working yarn * [slip 2 sts, psso], sl1* (6 sts) CC1 Navy

‣ Setup rows: CC2 Coral

1. (RS) [w2, k2f&b], m1L, k2, p2 (now 7 sts) CC3 Green

2. (WS) [w2, k2tog], k3, yo, k2
3. (RS) [w2, k2f&b], k1f&b, k2, p2 (now 8 sts)
4. (WS) [w2, k2tog], k1, sl1 wyif, p1, k1, yo, k2
‣ Repeat rows: (adds 1 st every RSR)
- (RS) [w2, k2f&b], k1f&b, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, m1L, p2 Color Blocking
- (WS) [w2, k2tog], k1, sl1 wyif, p1, knit to last 2 sts, yo, k2 # Showy
Color
Sets ✓ .
Follow the instructions for the following 3 features at the same time.
MC 15
1. Adding new Showy Decrease Lines
CC1 2
Add your first additional Showy Decrease line when there are 19 sts as counted after RSR.
MC 2
(WS) start as always with (k2tog, k1, sl1 wyif, p1) finish the remaining 14 sts like this:
CC2 5
- k8, sl1 wyif, p1, k2, yo, k2 (row 1 in chart on page 5)
CC3 13
The following RSR will have an new Showy Line next to the right edge. For example, here’s the
row following the WSR above: CC1 2
- (RS) [w2, k2f&b], k1f&b, k2, k2tog, yo*, k8, k2tog, m1L, p2 MC 19
Add future Showy Lines as above when 14 remaining sts after the purl st in the last Showy line as CC1 2
counted on the WSR. The last 14 sts are worked as above.
CC2 7
‣ Continuing Stitch Pattern: the repeat rows now look like this: MC 3
- (RS) [w2, k2f&b], k1f&b, *knit to 1 st before decrease, k2tog, yo*, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, m1L, p2 CC1 2
- (WS) [w2, k2tog], k1, sl1 wyif, p1, *knit to next yo, p1, sl1 wyif, p1*, knit to last 2 sts, yo, k2
CC3 10
2. Color changing rows CC1 2
Color is changed on RS rows AFTER the [w2, k2f&b], k1f&b. MC 5
Color change rows are worked without purls on the initial RS row, knits are replaced with purls at
CC2 4
very end of the following WS row.
- (RS) old color, [w2, k2f&b], k1f&b, new color, work in pattern to last 2 sts, k2 MC 16
- (WS) [w2, k2tog], k1, sl1, p1, work in pattern to last 4 sts, p2, yo, p2 CC1 3

3. Adding stitches to sections CC3 3

There will be 14 sections between Showy Decrease lines. Each section CC2 3
Sts Total
Section Added
starts with 8 garter sts (does not include the Showy sts). The longer Garter CC1 3
sections have more stitches added. Left 7 3 11 MC 2
- Stitches are added to each section with a k1f&b immediately before Center 4 2 10 CC3 1
the k2tog in that section approximately every 30 sets. See table to
Right 3 0 8
right for number of sts to add. CC1 1
- (RS for just increase section): *knit to 2 sts before slipped line, k1f&b, k2tog, yo* CC3 1
CC1 1
‣ Bind Off (worked over 3 rows). Replace yarn over in Showy Decreases with k1f&b
MC 1
- (RS) [w2, k2f&b], k1f&b, *knit to 1 st before Showy, k2tog, k1f&b*, knit to last 2 sts, p2
Bind
- (WS) [w2, k2tog], *k1, p1* CC2
Off
- (RS) work Knotted Bind Off (see last page)
‣ Finishing: Please see instructions with gradient yarn version on previous page.

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 Knotted Knit 2 Together Bind Off

The Knotted K2tog Bind Off alternates a standard bind

Front Back
off with a bulky one. It’s the contrast between the two
that creates the pretty nubby edge.

Prior WSR: *k1, p1* (if odd # sts then k1 more)

Getting Started
‣ If 2nd st is a purl st, start with a purl bind off (photos #1- 2)
- k1, p1, pass stitch over (normal bind off in pattern).
In future purl bind offs, there will already be a st on the
right needle so just p1, pso. (photo #8)
‣ If 2nd st is a knit st, start with a knotted k2tog bo
- slip 2 sts to right needle, yarn forward, slip 2 sts back to
left needle, move yarn around front tip, k2tog
Visit our blog announcement for
On following knotted bind offs, there will already be 1 st on
a link to a how to video.
the right needle, so slip just 1 st to left needle (photo #3) blog.knittingnuances.com
before starting the wrap with a yo (photos #5- 8)
Click on the Edges category

#1: If 2nd st is a purl work a #2: k1 (1st time only), p1, #3: When next st is a knit #4: Slip next st to right needle
standard bo in purl pass st over to bind off work a knotted k2tog bo to set up for wrapping 2 sts.

#5: Move yarn to front #6: slip both sts to left #7: move yarn to back #8: k2tog. Next st is a purl
needle around the front tip so p1, pass sl over.

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