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Skill level: Advanced Beginner

The Chai Shawl is a soft, crescent-shaped striped shawl in fingering weight with a picot lace edging. This design was inspired by the yarns included in the 2024 Festival of Lights Hanukkah Yarn Box, but fingering weight yarns in a variety of styles and textures would work beautifully in in this simple layering piece.

This shawl has pointy edges and a rounded center back. The rounded center of the Chai Shawl is shaped with 18 increases. In Judaism, 18 is the numerical value of the word “Chai” (pronounced “high”), meaning life. This makes 18 a special number, representing good luck. 

Construction Details:
The Chai Shawl is from the center top towards the outer edge. After working the set-up rows, the pattern is a 16 row repetition that grows with each center increase row. The pattern suggests a picot edging in a third color, but an option for continuing the stripes in the original two colors is also included.

The pattern includes a separate downloadable PDF of a row check sheet. There are video tutorials linked in the pattern that cover beginning the shawl and the picot edging.

Skills Required:
Slip Knot
Increasing with yarn overs
Knit/Purl
K2tog/SSK

Sizes: One size

Finished measurements: 56”/140 cm interior span at the top of the shawl, 84”/210 cm lower (rounded) edge, 18”/45 cm depth when laid flat.

Gauge: 18 sts and 38 rows = 4”/10 cm in Garter Stitch stripes of Colors A and B (2 rows of each), blocked, using size needle to obtain gauge.

Needles: US 6 (4 mm) 24”/60 cm and 40”/100 cm circular needles or size needed for gauge. Adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Yarn:
Color A: 394 yards of fingering weight (CYCA #1) yarn. Shown in Hand Dyed Yarns by Shaina Bilow “Bounce” (85% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon; 394 yds/100 g).
Color B: 400 yards of fingering weight (CYCA #1) yarn. Shown in Hand Dyed Yarns by Shaina Bilow “Whirl” (Boucle - 100% Superwash Merino Wool; 492 yds/100 g).
Color C (optional, for lace edge): 78 yards of fingering weight (CYCA #1) yarn. Shown in Hand Dyed Yarns by Shaina Bilow “Bounce” (85% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon; 78 yds/20 g).

Other Materials: 4 stitch markers, tapestry needle.

Unique Features-

• Intricate combination of textured stitches, lace, and chevron motifs
• Seamless construction for a polished finish
• Includes clear written instructions and video tutorial for guidance
• Versatile crescent shape drapes beautifully around shoulders
• Perfect for advanced beginners looking to expand their skills

Materials Needed-
-Yarn: Bounce by Shaina Bilow Designs, Fingering weight, 394-872 yards (360.27-797.36 meters); Needles: US Size 6.0 (4 mm); Other: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

• Needle: 4mm (US Size 6.0)
• Gauge: 18 Stitches by 38 Row = 4 Inches in Garter Stitch