Pfeilraupe by Alpi Alpenrose is a distinctive asymmetrical knitted shawl that combines simple garter stitch with a clever construction detail: a series of openings that let you thread one end of the shawl through the fabric.
Those slots are more than decorative. They help hold the shawl in place and make it possible to arrange the finished piece in several different ways around the neck and shoulders.
Despite its unusual finished shape, Pfeilraupe is primarily a garter-stitch project, making the construction much more approachable than the finished shawl might initially suggest.
The original Pfeilraupe knitting pattern is currently available as a free download from the designer through Ravelry.
Design: Alpi Alpenrose. Featured project photo: christa-l.
Pfeilraupe Shawl Pattern Overview
- Pattern: Pfeilraupe
- Designer: Alpi Alpenrose
- Publisher: Alpenrose Designs
- Published: August 2015
- Project type: Shawl / wrap
- Shape: Elongated asymmetrical triangle
- Yarn weight: Sport
- Yardage: Approximately 571 yd / 522 m
- Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm
- Gauge: 21 stitches × 48 rows = 4 in / 10 cm
- Finished size: Approximately 160 × 45 cm
- Size: One size
- Main fabric: Garter stitch
- Pattern availability: Free
What Makes Pfeilraupe Different?
At first glance, Pfeilraupe looks like an unusual asymmetrical shawl, but its most recognizable feature becomes clearer when you look at the openings worked into the wider section of the fabric.
These knitted slots allow the narrow end of the shawl to pass through the fabric.
That simple idea gives the shawl a practical advantage: it can stay wrapped around the wearer without relying entirely on a shawl pin or constant readjustment.
A Versatile Asymmetrical Shawl
Pfeilraupe is shaped as a long, stretched triangle rather than a traditional symmetrical triangular shawl.
The unusual proportions and strategically placed openings provide several possibilities for draping the finished piece.
It can be worn loosely over the shoulders, wrapped more closely around the neck, or arranged with the narrow end passing through one of the openings.
This versatility is one of the characteristics that made the design stand out among garter-stitch shawls.
Mostly Garter Stitch
The visual shape of Pfeilraupe may look complicated, but the basic knitted fabric is refreshingly simple.
The designer describes the shawl as essentially simple garter-stitch knitting with a few clever details.
Because garter stitch is created by knitting every row when working flat, much of the project has a comfortable repetitive rhythm.
The construction details and shaping provide the interest while the basic fabric remains straightforward.
Yarn and Yardage
The published pattern information lists approximately:
571 yards / 522 meters of sport-weight yarn.
The designer's original version was made using handspun yarn, which helps explain the organic texture and character of the original shawl.
A yarn with good stitch definition can help emphasize the horizontal garter ridges and the distinctive openings.
As with any shawl substitution, differences in fiber, elasticity and gauge may change the final dimensions and drape.
Needle Size
The published pattern calls for:
US 4 / 3.5 mm knitting needles.
Choose a needle type that is comfortable for holding the growing number of stitches. A circular needle can be convenient even though the shawl itself is worked flat.
Gauge
The listed gauge is:
21 stitches × 48 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm.
For a shawl, exact gauge is generally less critical than it would be for a fitted sweater, but it still affects the finished dimensions, fabric density and amount of yarn required.
If your gauge is substantially looser than the designer's, you may need more yarn than the amount listed in the pattern.
Finished Size
Using the designer's handspun yarn, the approximate finished dimensions after washing, without blocking, were:
- Length: approximately 160 cm
- Width: approximately 45 cm
Treat these measurements as a useful reference rather than a guarantee. Different yarns and individual knitting tension can produce different final dimensions.
The Signature Slots
The openings are the feature that transforms Pfeilraupe from a simple garter-stitch triangle into a highly recognizable shawl.
They are incorporated into the knitting rather than cut into the fabric afterward.
Once the shawl is finished, the narrow end can be threaded through a chosen opening to create different wrapped arrangements.
This means the openings serve both a decorative and functional purpose.
Shaping the Shawl
The elongated triangular shape develops through increases and shaping as the shawl progresses.
The design also uses short-row techniques to help create its distinctive geometry.
Although the main fabric is garter stitch, it is important to follow the designer's instructions carefully when you reach the shaping and slot sections.
Useful Skills for Pfeilraupe
It is helpful to be comfortable with:
- Casting on
- Knit stitches
- Garter stitch
- Increasing stitches
- Short-row shaping
- Binding off and casting on stitches within a row
- Following repeated shaping instructions
- Binding off
- Weaving in yarn ends
Choosing Yarn for Pfeilraupe
Because the pattern creates a long shawl with several openings, yarn choice affects both appearance and function.
A yarn that produces a very loose or extremely slippery fabric may behave differently when the narrow end is passed through one of the slots.
A sport-weight yarn that creates a comfortable but reasonably stable garter-stitch fabric is a good starting point.
Before beginning, check that you have enough yarn to complete the full shawl, especially if you plan to alter the size.
Blocking and Finishing
After knitting, weave in the yarn ends securely and wash or block the shawl according to the care requirements of your chosen yarn.
Blocking can help settle the garter-stitch fabric and improve the overall shape, but avoid stretching the piece more aggressively than your yarn can comfortably tolerate.
The designer's published measurements were taken after washing without blocking, so your finished dimensions may differ depending on your finishing method.
Why Pfeilraupe Is Worth Knitting
Pfeilraupe is a good example of how a relatively simple knitted fabric can become an unusual finished accessory through thoughtful construction.
The garter stitch provides relaxed knitting, while the asymmetrical shaping, short rows and signature openings keep the project interesting.
The result is not simply another triangular shawl. The built-in slots give the finished piece multiple styling possibilities and help keep it securely wrapped.
Get the Free Pfeilraupe Knitting Pattern
The original Pfeilraupe pattern by Alpi Alpenrose is currently available as a free Ravelry download.
Use the designer's original pattern for the complete stitch counts, short-row sequence, slot construction and finishing instructions.
Get the Free Pfeilraupe Pattern →
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Amazing Knitting is an independent pattern discovery and project-guide site. Pfeilraupe and its original knitting instructions remain the intellectual property of Alpi Alpenrose. This guide provides project information and directs knitters to the designer's authorized pattern source rather than reproducing the complete pattern.