Slip it!

Slip it! Knitted Shawl by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

Slip it! is an intermediate-level knitted shawl pattern designed by Brian Smith Designs. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated triangular wrap measuring 188 centimeters in length and 48 centimeters in width after blocking, making it an ideal accessory for layering or draping.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a colorwork shawl featuring a slip stitch construction. The finished piece is a generous wrap-style shawl suitable for various occasions and styling options. The elongated dimensions provide ample fabric for creative wearing methods, from traditional shoulder wraps to dramatic draping effects.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Slip it! shawl employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Slip stitch pattern: The primary construction method, which creates visual texture and color blending through slipped stitches worked across the fabric
• Garter stitch tab: Used as the foundation, providing a stable edge for picking up stitches
• Increases: Make one (M1) increases are strategically placed to shape the shawl and create its triangular silhouette
• Stitch markers: Used to identify key sections and maintain pattern repeat accuracy
• Color changes: The pattern incorporates six distinct yarn colors worked in sequence, requiring attention to yarn management and color placement
• Blocking: Essential finishing technique to achieve the specified final measurements and even out the slip stitch texture

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes a focused set of essential knitting stitches:

• Knit (K): Basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P): Reverse knit stitch used strategically in edge sections and pattern variations
• Slip one stitch purlwise (Sl1): The signature stitch of this pattern, slipped stitches create the distinctive texture and allow color to show through in an elegant way
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Make one (M1): An increase stitch for expanding the shawl dimensions
• Yarn forward (YF): Creates eyelet holes and lace-like elements within the slip stitch pattern

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Rebound in aran weight, a durable and elastic yarn choice ideal for shawls. Six skeins are required, one each in the following colors:

• (A) Chilli (06) – 93 grams
• (B) Pearl (01) – 85 grams
• (C) Teal (09) – 99 grams
• (D) Black Plum (05) – 84 grams
• (E) Peach Blossom (03) – 94 grams
• (F) Denim (08) – 94 grams

Needles: One 120-centimeter circular needle in UK size 5.5mm (US size 9). The long circular needle accommodates the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands.

Additional Notions: Two stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and a blocking kit for finishing.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows over 10 centimeters in the slip stitch pattern. Achieving accurate gauge is important for obtaining the intended finished measurements. After blocking, the completed shawl measures 188 centimeters in length and 48 centimeters in width, creating a substantial and versatile accessory.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, increases, decreases, and color changes. The slip stitch pattern itself is straightforward to execute once established, though maintaining consistency across color sections requires attention and practice.