Naranja

Naranja Shawl by Brian Smith Designs

What Is Being Made

The Naranja is a triangular knitted shawl designed as a downloadable PDF pattern by Brian Smith Designs. This intermediate-level project creates a generous wrap with a finished wingspan of 140 centimeters and a maximum depth of 36 centimeters at the widest point. The shawl is constructed using a top-down triangular construction method, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking to expand their shawlette collection with a versatile, wearable design.

Techniques Used

The Naranja employs several fundamental and decorative knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. The pattern utilizes yarn overs to create lace elements throughout the design, which add visual interest and help with the natural shaping of a triangular garment. Increases are strategically placed using the kfb (knit into front and back) technique along the edges to control the expansion of the shawl. Decreases using k2tog (knit two stitches together) are incorporated into the stitch pattern to balance the increases and create textural elements. The pattern also features the kyok technique (knit, yarn over, knit all into the same stitch), which creates a decorative increase that adds dimension to the edge stitches. Blocking is essential to this pattern, as the finished measurements are taken after blocking, which helps even out the lace pattern and achieve the intended wingspan and depth.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl (P): Used selectively to create textural contrast in certain rows
• Yarn Over (Yo): Creates decorative holes and lace elements; used frequently for both shaping and pattern definition
• Kyok (Knit, Yarn Over, Knit): A specialized increase worked into a single stitch, creating a decorative edge detail
• Kfb (Knit into Front and Back): A standard increase technique used along the edges for controlled shaping
• K2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease used to create texture and balance increases within the pattern

Materials and Specifications

The Naranja is worked in DK weight yarn, specifically using Riverknits Nene DK in the shade Rost. The pattern requires only 1 skein, making this an efficient project for stash-busting or trying a new colorway. Knitting is worked on UK 7mm (US 10.75) needles. The pattern is designed to a gauge of 21 rows over 10 centimeters when blocked, which is typical for DK weight yarn and ensures the finished measurements are accurate after blocking. The downloadable PDF format allows knitters to print or save the pattern for easy reference while working.

Pattern Structure

The Naranja begins with a small cast-on of 12 stitches, which is increased to 20 stitches in the first row using the kfb technique. From this foundation, the main body follows a repeating sequence of 9 rows that establish the triangular shape and lace pattern. The pattern combines edge increases (kyok and kfb stitches) with interior stitch patterns featuring yarn overs and decreases, creating a balanced, symmetrical design. The repeating row sequence is worked until the desired wingspan is achieved, then finished off according to the pattern instructions. This construction method is typical of top-down triangular shawls and allows knitters flexibility in adjusting the final size by working additional pattern repeats.