Large Shawl in Bergere de France Ideal - 60445-04 - Downloadable PDF

Large Shawl in Bergère de France Idéal – Pattern Summary (60445-04)

This beginner-level knitting pattern produces a generously sized large triangular shawl measuring 140 cm × 75 cm. Published as a downloadable PDF by Bergère de France, the design is straightforward and highly accessible, making it an ideal project for those new to shawl knitting or looking for a relaxing, repetitive make. The finished piece is bold and colourful, worked in wide horizontal stripes across a classic garter stitch fabric.

What Is Being Made

The pattern creates a single large triangular shawl. Starting from just 5 stitches at the centre top point, the shawl is shaped by working paired increases on every right-side row, one stitch in from each edge, until the full width is reached. The resulting triangle is wide and wrap-friendly, suitable for wearing as a shoulder wrap, a neck scarf, or a decorative accessory.

Yarn and Materials

The shawl is knitted in Bergère de France Idéal, a DK weight yarn. A distinctive feature of this pattern is that two strands of the same colour are held together throughout, which creates a thicker, cosier fabric and uses up yarn efficiently. Four colourways of Idéal are specified:

• Figue (23589) – 3 balls
• Girolle (29051) – 2 balls
• Séquoia (35168) – 2 balls
• Vannerie (23316) – 2 balls

The total yarn requirement across all four shades is 9 balls of Bergère de France Idéal. Because two strands are held together, each colour change requires switching both strands simultaneously to the new shade.

Needles and Hook

The shawl is knitted on 7 mm knitting needles. A 7 mm crochet hook is also referenced, likely used for finishing or edging details as noted in the pattern's reference to basic crochet techniques.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is important for matching the finished dimensions. The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm over garter stitch, using two strands of Idéal held together on 7 mm needles. Knitters are encouraged to work a tension square before beginning.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The construction is refreshingly simple, relying on just a handful of techniques:

• Garter stitch (point mousse) – Every row is knitted, producing a squishy, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This is the sole stitch pattern used throughout the entire shawl, making it very beginner-friendly.
• Paired edge increases – Stitches are increased one stitch in from each edge, every two rows, repeated 88 times in total. This builds the triangular shape symmetrically from the top point outward.
• Stripe sequence – Colour is changed in a repeating block pattern: 20 rows Figue, 20 rows Séquoia, 20 rows Girolle, 20 rows Vannerie, then repeated from the beginning. Because the shawl grows with each stripe, each colour block becomes progressively wider as the triangle expands.
• Cast-off (bind-off) – After the final increase row, all 181 stitches are cast off on the wrong side by knitting them on the reverse, giving a neat finish.
• Basic crochet techniques – A crochet hook is included in the materials, suggesting a crochet border or finishing edge is applied, with the pattern directing knitters to a reference section on crochet stitches and techniques.

Difficulty and Suitability

Rated facile (easy / beginner), this pattern is well-suited to newer knitters who are comfortable with casting on, basic increases, and garter stitch. The repetitive nature of the stripe sequence and