K803-Embossed Leaves Shawl

K803 – Embossed Leaves Shawl by Nazanin Fard

What Is Being Made

The K803 – Embossed Leaves Shawl is a triangular knit shawl designed by independent designer Nazanin Fard. This advanced-level project creates a sophisticated accessory with a center depth of 30 inches (76 cm), not including the decorative edging. The shawl features an intricate embossed leaf pattern that develops as you work from the cast-on edge outward, making it an elegant statement piece suitable for experienced knitters.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques that create its distinctive textured appearance. The construction begins with a small cast-on and increases progressively using yarn overs and decreases to shape the triangular form. The pattern incorporates charted instructions for the right-side rows, allowing knitters to follow the embossed leaf motif visually. The design uses stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and structural increases throughout the project. Additionally, the shawl incorporates beading as a decorative embellishment, with glass seed beads worked directly into the knit fabric using a specialized beading technique.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The K803 shawl utilizes fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches combined with specialized decreases:

• Stockinette stitch – forms the base fabric and is used for gauge measurement (24 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in 10 cm)
• Garter stitch – used for the initial rows and edge stitches to provide structure and prevent curling
• Yarn overs (yo) – create decorative holes and lace elements while simultaneously increasing stitches for shaping
• Purl stitches (p1) – incorporated into the pattern for textural contrast
• Vertical Double Decrease (VDD) – a specialized decrease technique where two stitches are slipped knitwise, the next stitch is knitted, and the slipped stitches are passed over, resulting in a two-stitch decrease
• Knit with bead (K1b) – a beading technique detailed on the final page of the pattern, allowing glass seed beads to be integrated into the knit stitches
• Slip stitches with yarn in back (Sl1wyib) – used for edge definition

Materials and Specifications

The K803 Embossed Leaves Shawl requires premium materials to achieve its luxurious drape and beaded embellishment:

• Yarn: Knit Picks Capretta in Super fine (fingering) weight, color Caviar #25593. This yarn is composed of 80% Fine Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon, providing softness, warmth, and durability. Five 50-gram balls are needed, offering 230 yards per ball for a total of approximately 1,150 yards
• Knitting needles: US size 3 (3.25 mm) for working the main fabric
• Crochet hook: Steel crochet hook size 10 (1.15 mm), likely used for finishing or edge work
• Beads: 40 grams of size 6/0 glass seed beads in white for embellishment
• Notions: Stitch markers to track pattern repeats and increases

Difficulty Level and Skill Requirements

Designated as an advanced project, the K803 Embossed Leaves Shawl is intended for experienced knitters. Success with this pattern requires comfort with reading charted instructions, executing specialized decreases like the Vertical Double Decrease, managing multiple stitch markers, and integrating beads into live stitches. The combination of lace increases, textured stitches, and beading techniques makes this an excellent choice for knitters looking to expand their skill set and create a heirloom-quality accessory.