Soleil levant / Rising sun

Soleil levant / Rising Sun Shawl by A la maille suivante

What is Being Made

Soleil levant is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by A la maille suivante. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl measuring approximately 127 cm by 47 cm (50 inches by 18.5 inches) after blocking, making it a versatile triangular or crescent-shaped accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Biscotte et cie Bis-sock yarn, a 4-ply weight yarn composed of 85% merino wool and 15% nylon. The project requires two balls totaling 100g with 400 meters (459 yards) of yardage. The pattern specifies one ball of d'autorayante© (self-striping) in Cupcake colorway and one ball of semi-solid in Bonbon colorway, allowing for beautiful color variation and visual interest throughout the finished piece. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends after completion.

Needles and Gauge

This shawl is worked on 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needles in either 80 cm (32 inches) or 100 cm (40 inches) length, depending on preference and availability. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches in stockinette stitch measured after blocking, ensuring proper drape and finished dimensions.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Soleil levant employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Increases are worked using make-one techniques: m1r (make one right) and m1l (make one left), which are invisible increase methods that maintain pattern integrity by picking up the strand between stitches
• Decreases include k2tog (knit two stitches together) for right-leaning decreases and ssk (slip, slip, knit) for left-leaning decreases, creating balanced shaping
• Slip stitches (sl1p) are used as edge treatments or pattern elements, slipped as if to purl for a neat appearance
• Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the stitch pattern

The pattern begins with a cast-on of 5 stitches using the semi-solid yarn, building outward through strategic increases to create the shawl's characteristic shape. The combination of self-striping and semi-solid yarns adds visual depth and movement to the finished piece.

Pattern Structure

This intermediate shawl pattern uses written abbreviations and stitch instructions to guide crafters through the construction process. The use of circular needles allows for easy management of increasing stitches as the shawl grows from its small cast-on edge to its full finished dimensions.