Almaz

Almaz Shawl by Meiju Kallio

What Is Being Made

Almaz is a knitted shawl designed by independent designer Meiju Kallio, originally published as the Meiju Knits Mystery Shawl pattern in May 2016. This intermediate-level project offers knitters a versatile design with two distinct construction options to suit different skill preferences and aesthetic goals.

Construction Method and Design Approach

The shawl is constructed side to side, a technique that builds the garment horizontally rather than from top to bottom. This directional approach is combined with short-row shaping, which creates depth and dimension by working back and forth over a subset of stitches before completing full rows. This combination of techniques produces an interesting and engaging knit that remains enjoyable throughout the project despite its intermediate complexity.

Pattern Options

Almaz provides knitters with two distinct versions to choose from:

• Garter stitch version: A textured, reversible option created entirely with garter stitch
• Lace version: A more delicate, openwork design incorporating lace stitches for an airy aesthetic

Knitters with sufficient yardage (approximately 100g per skein) can work both versions by switching color assignments between versions, maximizing the use of their yarn.

Stitches and Techniques

The pattern employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Garter stitch: Knit on every row to create a bumpy, textured fabric
• Slipped stitch edge (SSE): A finished edge technique worked over 3 stitches that varies depending on whether you are working right-side or wrong-side rows. On right-side rows: knit 1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, knit 1. On wrong-side rows: slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, knit 1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front
• SSK (slip slip knit): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches individually and then knitting them together
• Lace stitches: Openwork elements incorporated in the lace version for visual interest

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Almaz is designed for fingering weight yarn, also known as 4-ply yarn. The pattern requires three colors of yarn, allowing for creative color combination and contrast:

• Color A (240 yards/219 meters): Choose a color you love, as this will appear in large areas of the finished shawl
• Colors B and C: Select contrasting but coordinating colors that work harmoniously when the skeins are placed together

Each skein should provide approximately 100 grams and 400 yards (400 meters) of yardage. The three-color construction creates visual interest and allows knitters to explore color theory while maintaining overall design cohesion.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle more complex shaping techniques. The side-to-side construction combined with short-row shaping requires attention to pattern instructions and understanding of how these techniques interact, but the engaging nature of the design makes the learning process enjoyable.