Fernweh Shawl

Fernweh Shawl by Susanne Sommer

What is Being Made

The Fernweh Shawl is a knitted wrap designed to inspire wanderlust and exploration. This intermediate-level shawl measures 210 cm (82 ½ inches) long and 72 cm (28 ½ inches) high at the center, making it a substantial triangular or crescent-shaped accessory suitable for draping around the shoulders. The design celebrates the concept of Fernweh—a German word expressing the longing to travel and explore distant places—and is intended to be knitted while dreaming of adventure and connecting with friends around the world.

Design and Color Work

The Fernweh Shawl features a sophisticated three-color construction that creates visual depth and interest. The pattern calls for three treasured speckled or semisolid skeins of hand-dyed yarn in distinct roles: a lighter color for the foreground (Color A), a darker color for the background (Color B), and a vibrant color pop accent (Color C). This strategic color placement creates a layered, dimensional appearance. The sample shown in pink uses colorways Ponderosa (light pink – A), Snap Out Of It (pink – B), and Kismet (yellow – C), while the green sample features Vale (light blue – A), Coast (dark green – B), and Chai (light green – C), demonstrating the versatility of the design across different color palettes.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This shawl is constructed using brioche stitch as the primary stitch pattern. Brioche knitting is an advanced textural technique that creates a highly elastic, reversible fabric with distinctive horizontal ridges and exceptional drape—qualities that make it ideal for shawls. The brioche stitch requires careful attention to yarn overs and knit-through-below stitches, making this project suitable for knitters with intermediate experience who are comfortable with specialty stitch techniques. The brioche construction contributes to the shawl's luxurious appearance and superior stretch, allowing it to conform beautifully to the wearer's body.

Yarn and Materials

The Fernweh Shawl requires three colors of Light Fingering Weight Yarn (also referred to as 3-ply weight), totaling 1166 meters (1274 yards) across three skeins. The specific yardage breakdown is as follows:

• Color A (light color): 400 m / 437 yds / 1 skein
• Color B (darker color): 400 m / 437 yds / 1 skein
• Color C (color pop accent): 366 m / 400 yds / 1 skein

The sample shown was knitted using Sock Lite by Olann, a plied yarn composed of 80% Merino wool and 20% Nylon, with a yardage of 425 m per 100 g skein. This fiber blend provides warmth, breathability, and durability, while the nylon content adds elasticity and resilience to the finished garment. Light Fingering Weight Yarn is ideal for creating delicate, detailed stitch definition while remaining lightweight enough for comfortable wear as a shawl.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 16 stitches and 23 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) in brioche stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and ensuring proper drape. The completed shawl measures 210 cm (82 ½ inches) in length and 72 cm (28 ½ inches) in height at the center point, creating a generously sized wrap suitable for layering and styling in multiple ways.