Limelicious

Limelicious Shawl by Brian Smith Designs

What Is Being Made

Limelicious is a knitted shawl designed by Brian Smith Designs as an intermediate-level project. This is a downloadable PDF pattern that produces a large, generously proportioned wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece. The finished shawl measures an impressive wingspan of 152 centimeters with a maximum depth of 87 centimeters at the widest point, making it a substantial accessory for various styling options.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created using the knitting craft, specifically employing techniques that combine yarn held in different ways to create visual and textural interest. The pattern utilizes an I-cord construction as a foundational element, which is worked loosely to maintain appropriate drape and flexibility. The shawl incorporates slip stitches and yarn manipulation techniques including yarn forward movements and slipped stitches worked purlwise, which are common methods for creating decorative edges and lace-like effects in shawl design.

The construction method involves holding multiple yarn strands together in specific combinations—primarily working with two strands of yarn held as one, alongside single-strand sections—to achieve varied fabric densities and visual effects throughout the piece. This technique allows for interesting color blending and texture variation within the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The Limelicious pattern employs a range of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches as the foundational building blocks
• Yarn forward (Yf) movements to create deliberate yarn overs for lace or texture
• Slip stitches worked in multiple variations: Sl3 (slip three stitches purlwise), Sl1yb (slip one stitch with yarn at back), and Sl1yf (slip one stitch with yarn at front)
• Kfb (knit into front and back of stitch) for increases
• K2togtbl (knit two stitches together through the back loop) and K3tog (knit three stitches together) for decreases
• Stocking stitch as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic knitted appearance

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which refers to the thickness classification of the yarn. The Limelicious shawl requires two distinct yarns to complete:

Yarn A (Primary): Qing Fibre Yak Single in the shade Flax, held double throughout most of the project. The pattern calls for 2 skeins of this yarn, with each skein weighing 120 grams and providing 480 meters of yardage. When held double, approximately 200 grams and 800 meters of this yarn are utilized in the finished piece.

Yarn B (Accent): Qing Fibre High Twist BFL in the shade Furling, worked as a single strand. One skein is required, weighing 50 grams with approximately 182 meters of yardage used in the final shawl.

The pattern specifies UK 5mm (US 8) circular needles measuring 120 centimeters in length, which provides adequate needle space for managing the large number of stitches required for the expansive wingspan. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, a row counter for tracking progress through the pattern, and a blocking kit for finishing and shaping the completed shawl.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern establishes a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows per 10 centimeters when working blocked stocking stitch with yarn A held double. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the specified finished measurements. The shawl requires blocking after completion to set the stitches, achieve the final dimensions, and enhance the drape and overall appearance of the finished piece.