Hrim

Hrim Shawl by Bristol Ivy

What is Being Made

Hrim is a triangular knit shawl designed by Bristol Ivy, named after the Old English word for rime or frost. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated wrap featuring finished measurements of 22 inches along the bound-off edges, 47 inches along the third edge and extension. The shawl is an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more complex construction techniques.

Construction and Techniques

The shawl employs a distinctive construction method worked from the neck out in a back-and-forth motion on circular needles. The design features increases occurring every other row at six strategic points throughout the garment, allowing the piece to expand gradually from the neckline. After the main body is established, a decorative border is added. Two-thirds of the completed shawl is then bound off, while the final third continues with paired increases to create the extended triangular shape characteristic of this design.

The pattern utilizes circular needles not for working in the round, but rather to accommodate the large number of stitches that accumulate as the shawl grows. This is a common technique in shawl knitting when the stitch count becomes too large for straight needles. Moderate lace blocking is recommended after completion to properly set the stitches and enhance the shawl's drape and final dimensions.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in Hrim is stockinette stitch, worked in the main color yarn. The gauge for this pattern is 15.5 stitches and 28.5 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the main color only, measured after moderate lace blocking. This gauge specification is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring proper fit at the neckline.

Yarn and Materials

Main Color (MC): WW Opal by The Woolen Rabbit is the primary yarn, a luxurious blend of 75% merino, 15% cashmere, and 10% silk. This yarn provides 220 yards per 115-gram skein, and the pattern requires 3 skeins or approximately 495 yards total in the Grey Goose colorway. The merino base offers elasticity and warmth, while the cashmere and silk additions create softness and subtle sheen.

Contrast Color (CC): Silk Cloud by Shibui serves as the accent yarn, composed of 60% mohair and 40% silk. This yarn yields 330 yards per 25-gram skein, and only 1 skein or approximately 185 yards in the Mineral colorway is needed. The mohair and silk combination creates an airy, lustrous quality that complements the main color yarn.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for one 32-inch circular needle in US size 7 (4.5 mm) or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers to track the six increase points throughout the construction.