Taffeta

Taffeta Shawl by Lesley Robinson

What is Being Made

Taffeta is a large asymmetrical triangle shawl designed by independent knitter Lesley Robinson. Measuring 80 inches (203 cm) in wingspan and 36 inches (91 cm) in depth after blocking, this shawl combines vintage-inspired aesthetics with contemporary knitting techniques. The design draws inspiration from vintage tea parties and pastel party dresses, creating a versatile accessory that is easy to wear and style.

Design Features and Construction

The Taffeta shawl showcases a dynamic combination of stripes and textured elements throughout its asymmetrical triangular shape. The pattern incorporates two-color brioche knitting as a signature design element, creating dimensional colorwork that adds visual interest and depth to the finished piece. The striped construction allows knitters to work with multiple yarn weights and colors in a cohesive design.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Two-color brioche knitting: A signature technique in this pattern that creates reversible, textured fabric with distinctive stacked stitches and dimensional color work
• Striping: Color changes throughout the shawl create visual movement and allow for creative yarn pairing
• Asymmetrical triangle construction: The shawl is shaped as a large triangle with uneven proportions, providing interesting drape and wearing options
• Blocking: Essential finishing step to achieve the specified finished dimensions and even out the striped and textured sections

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the available pattern information, the Taffeta shawl relies heavily on brioche stitching techniques combined with standard knit and purl stitches to create texture and dimension. The pattern includes both written instructions and charted sections, allowing knitters to follow either format based on personal preference.

Yarn and Materials

The Taffeta shawl requires a combination of two yarn weights for its distinctive appearance and texture:

• Sport weight yarn: 865 yards (791 meters) total, divided into three colors. The pattern specifies Color A at 315 yards (288 meters) and Color B at 280 yards (256 meters), with Color C making up the remaining yardage
• Lace weight yarn: 530 yards (485 meters) total, used to add texture and visual interest. Designer Lesley Robinson recommends choosing 2 skeins of lace weight yarn, which may include specialty fibers such as mohair or cashmere for additional fuzz and dimension

Color and Yarn Customization

The pattern encourages creative fiber choices. The designer used three contrasting colors of sport weight yarn paired with one skein of lace mohair and one skein of lace cashmere in the same color as the sport weight Color C, creating a cohesive yet textured effect. Knitters have flexibility to substitute different lace bases, experiment with alternative color combinations, or use different lace weights and fiber types while maintaining the pattern structure.

Skill Level

Taffeta is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with multiple yarn weights, following charts, and executing brioche knitting techniques. The combination of written instructions and charted sections provides support for knitters at this skill level.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern that includes a schematic on Page 2 for reference during construction. The pattern provides both written instructions and charts to accommodate different learning preferences among knitters.