Fringe Kiss

Fringe Kiss Knit Shawl by Carissa Browning

What Is Being Made

Fringe Kiss is a beginner-friendly knit shawl designed by independent designer Carissa Browning. This versatile triangular shawl features built-in self-fringing and is worked in a simple garter stitch construction. The finished shawl measures roughly twice as wide as it is tall when excluding the fringe, with the sample measuring approximately 80 inches wide by 40 inches tall, plus an additional 6-inch fringe border. The design is gauge-flexible and size-adjustable, allowing knitters to create their own custom dimensions without the need for precise stitch counting or tedious end-weaving.

Design Features and Construction

This shawl employs a unique symmetrical color-fading technique that creates visual interest without complex colorwork. The pattern utilizes a clever construction method where a quarter of the fabric is created using purled stitches rather than knitted stitches. This purled garter stitch section creates the distinctive fading effect that gives the shawl its name and aesthetic appeal. The self-fringing eliminates the need for additional finishing work, making this an ideal project for knitters seeking a polished final product without extra labor.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Fringe Kiss is worked entirely in garter stitch, making it an excellent beginner project. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape. The pattern incorporates purled garter stitch in a quarter section of the design, where every stitch is purled rather than knitted. This technique variation creates the symmetrical color fade without requiring complex stitch manipulation or color changes. The loose, drapey fabric created by this straightforward stitch work makes the shawl suitable for various yarn weights and gauges.

Yarn and Materials

Fringe Kiss is designed to work with 4-ply yarn weight in any amount according to your desired finished size. The pattern is written for three coordinating yarns that fade together harmoniously, though a single gradient yarn can be substituted to achieve the fading effect. The sample uses A Thing for String Merino Sock yarn, which is composed of 75% merino and 25% nylon, with each skein providing 460 yards (421 meters) per 100 grams. The nylon content adds durability to the delicate merino fiber. Knitters may choose any weight yarn in any amount they prefer, making this pattern highly adaptable to stash yarn and personal preferences.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern accommodates any gauge that produces a loose, drapey fabric in your chosen yarn. The sample gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch after blocking. It is important that your purled garter stitch gauge remains relatively close to your knitted garter stitch gauge to ensure the color-fading effect works as intended. Blocking is recommended to set the final dimensions and enhance the drape of the finished shawl.

Skill Level

Fringe Kiss is rated as a beginner difficulty project, making it accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. The straightforward garter stitch construction, combined with the gauge-flexible design and no-count approach, removes barriers to entry for less experienced knitters while still producing a sophisticated, finished garment.