This is the thirteenth post in a series about different shawl shapes and how to knit them. All the posts in the series can be found right here.

Square with a Diagonal Slit from the center out

The Square with a Diagonal Slit is a variation on the Square Knit in the Round. Instead of being knit in the round, the Square with a Diagonal Slit is worked flat, with the “slit” splitting one pair of increases (or decreases).

This shawl shape sits sort of like a cape. It rests easily on your shoulders and doesn’t slide around. Plus, no need to fold your square in half, hiding part of your pattern.

Knitting Instructions

CO 11sts.
{4 border sts + 4 sections + 3 spines}
R1: k2, (pm, yo, k1, yo, pm, k1) 4 times, k1.
R2: purl across.
R3: k2, (sm, yo, k to marker, yo, sm, k1) 4 times, k1.
R4: purl across.
Rep R3&4 to desired dimensions.
Bind off loosely.

Square with a Diagonal Slit from the hem in

Like many other shawl shapes, the Square with a Diagonal Slit can also be worked from the center out, and from the hem in.

Calculating your cast on

Determine your final gauge, and the desired width of your square.
[Desired width] / 2 = [width from CO to BO]
[Width from CO to BO] x [row gauge] = [# of rows]
[# of rows] / 2 = [# of dec rows]
[# of dec rows] x [8sts decreased per dec row] = [# of sts decreased]
Make sure this number is divisible by 8.
[# of sts decreased] = [# of sts to CO]