Cascade shawl 45

Cascade Shawl 45 by Brian Smith Designs

What is Being Made

The Cascade Shawl 45 is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Brian Smith Designs. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a generous triangular shawl with a wingspan of 216 centimeters and a maximum depth of 112 centimeters when blocked. The shawl is constructed using a cascading construction method that begins with a small cast-on and expands progressively through strategic increases, creating an elegant drape suitable for layering or wearing as a wrap.

Craft and Primary Techniques

This project is a knitting pattern worked primarily in the round using circular needles. The shawl employs a top-down construction method, starting from a minimal stitch count and expanding outward through multiple sections. The design utilizes fundamental knitting increases and decreases to shape the fabric, making it accessible to intermediate knitters who have mastered basic stitch techniques but are ready to work with more complex shaping and stitch patterns.

Stitches Used

The Cascade Shawl 45 incorporates a variety of essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the fabric
• Yarn overs (Yo, Yrn, Yf) create decorative eyelets and lace elements throughout the design
• Increases including Kfb (knit into front and back of next stitch) and K1b (knit into the stitch below) for shaping
• Decreases including K2tog (knit two stitches together), P2tog (purl two stitches together), and Skp (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over)
• Slip stitches (Sl1kw and Sl3pw) used for stitch manipulation and shaping transitions
• Double yarn over (Dyo) for creating larger openings in the lace pattern

Materials and Specifications

The Cascade Shawl 45 is worked in Cascade Eco+ Merino yarn in the chunky weight category, requiring 2 skeins in the shade Grasshopper. This merino blend provides warmth and drape while maintaining breathability, making it ideal for a versatile wrap-style shawl.

The pattern requires two circular needles: a 5.5mm (UK size) / US size 9 needle for the initial cast-on and early rows, and a 6mm (UK size) / US size 10 needle for subsequent sections, with both needles being 150 centimeters in length to accommodate the expanding stitch count. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a blocking kit to achieve the finished measurements.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 14 stitches and 24 rows over 10 centimeters in blocked stocking stitch. Achieving this gauge is important for obtaining the intended finished measurements. Once blocked, the completed shawl measures 216 centimeters across the wingspan and 112 centimeters at the widest depth, creating a substantial triangular wrap suitable for various wearing styles and occasions.