Wishing Well by Jem Arrowsmith

Wishing Well

Knitting
May 2024
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
23 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette
US 5 - 3.75 mm
853 - 875 yards (780 - 800 m)
One size
English
This pattern is available for £5.00 GBP
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Have you ever thrown a coin into a pool of water and made a wish? I know I certainly have, many times! In European folklore a wishing well has long been a symbol of fortune and good luck. Many believed that spirits resided in the water so by giving them an offering of a coin as the wish was made, it would make the wish favourable and more likely to be granted.

Although I can’t guarantee that the Wishing Well shawl will grant all of your wishes, if you’ve been dreaming of a large cozy shawl with lots of visual interest which is easy to knit and fun to wear, this could be the one that comes true!

The Wishing Well shawl uses two skeins of 4 ply yarn for a body of horizontal stripes, with a slipped stitch pattern cascading down the centre. Once the central mosaic stitches reach the border, they make a big splash into waves of chevron stitches that ripple all along the bottom of the shawl.

With mosaic knitting, you are only ever working with one colour per row, so while this might look like a complicated pattern, it is deceptively easy and satisfying to work as you slip stitches to create the striking chevrons.

Stitches Used – Sl1 wyif, sl1 wyib, kyok, knit, purl, yo, m1l, m1r

Sizes – One size

Measurements – The finished shawl measures 79.5” (192cm) wingspan and 25.5” (65cm) in depth once blocked

Materials

• Yarn A – Cream – 437yd / 400m, 3.5 oz / 100g 4 ply, sock or fingering weight yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Merino 4ply yarn, 100% Superwash Merino the undyed Snow colour
• Yarn B – Green – 437yd / 400m, 3.5 oz / 100g 4 ply, sock or fingering weight yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Merino 4ply yarn, 100% Superwash in the Olive Green colour
• US size 5 (3.75mm) 32” (100cm) circular needle
• 2 stitch markers for marking off the centre column
• Optional – 20 stitch markers for marking off the border repeat sections
• A tapestry needle for weaving in the ends

Gauge: 23 stitches and 32 rows to 4” / 10cm in stockinette stitch after blocking

The pattern has been tech edited and test knitted prior to publication.

Pattern Testimonials

“Another fantastic pattern from Jem. The design unfolds “as if by magic”. Although the pattern looks complicated, only one colour of yarn is used on each row and the extremely detailed row by row instructions (yes, for all 170+ rows) makes it really straightforward to follow. Nowhere near as difficult as it might appear! Would highly recommend this pattern” – Fiona

“Another great pattern from Jem. Rhythmic pattern repeats means it’s easy to get into, and definitely gives that “just one more row” addictive quality! The finished shawl looks fabulous, and I’d definitely recommend” – Lucianne

“I love this pattern. The overall effect makes it look a much more complicated knit than it really is. The instructions are well laid out and very clear, with the bonus of progress sheets to keep track of rows and stitch counts” – Joanne

“Loved testing this pattern and seeing it develop. Jem’s patterns are always well-written and easy to follow” – Deborah

“Once again, a beautifully well written and easy to follow pattern. The progress sheets are an added bonus which ensure you can check stitch counts are correct every row so less chance for mistakes” – Donna

“Stunning – Addictive” – Barb