Fusilli

Fusilli Crescent Shawl by Nell Ziroli

What Is Being Made

Fusilli is a knitted crescent shawl featuring a distinctive looped border detail. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished accessory measuring 44 inches wide by 13 inches deep, making it an elegant wrap suitable for layering or draping. The design combines a simple crescent silhouette with decorative looped edging, offering visual interest through both shaping and textural elements.

Knitting Techniques Used

This shawl employs fundamental shawl construction techniques appropriate for intermediate knitters. The pattern utilizes increases and yarn overs to create the crescent shape, allowing the piece to expand gradually from the cast-on edge. The looped border requires careful attention to yarn over placement and direction, with specific techniques for executing yarn overs between different stitch combinations. The pattern includes instructions for yarn overs worked between knit stitches, between purl stitches, and between transitions from purl to knit and knit to purl. Some yarn overs are worked through the back loop on subsequent rows to maintain the characteristic open appearance of the stitch.

Stitches Used

• Yarn Overs (YO) - The primary decorative element, worked in multiple variations depending on surrounding stitches
• Knit Stitches - Foundation stitch for the main fabric
• Purl Stitches - Used in combination with knits and yarn overs
• Through-the-back-loop stitches - Employed to keep yarn over stitches open and visible

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for 1 skein of Kismet Sleek Fingering Weight yarn. The sample shown uses Santa Rosa Plum, a hand-dyed 4-ply blend of 50% Merino wool and 50% silk, providing 437 yards per 100 grams. This luxurious fiber combination offers both warmth and drape, with the silk content adding subtle sheen and the merino providing elasticity and durability.

Needles and Notions: US 4 circular needles measuring 32 inches are required, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. The pattern also calls for 1 double-pointed needle (DPN) or cable needle in the same size for specific shaping techniques. Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the project.

Gauge

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 12 stitches and 17 rows over 2 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is critical for obtaining the finished dimensions of 44 inches wide by 13 inches deep.