Berroco Basse Taille PDF

Berroco Basse Taille Knit Shawl by Amy Christoffers

What is Being Made

The Basse Taille is a triangular knit shawl designed by Amy Christoffers for Berroco. This intermediate-level project creates a finished shawl measuring approximately 68 inches across the top by 30 inches down the center after blocking, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a wrap.

Construction Method and Techniques

This shawl is constructed using a top-down seamless approach, worked flat on circular needles. The design incorporates striped colorwork throughout, alternating between the main color and contrasting color to create visual interest and dimension. The top-down construction method allows knitters to try on the shawl as it progresses and customize the finished length if desired, while the seamless construction eliminates the need for finishing seams.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches worked in stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base. The striped pattern is achieved through color changes worked across rows, creating horizontal bands of alternating hues. Shaping is accomplished through strategic increases that form the triangular silhouette characteristic of this shawl design.

Yarn and Materials

The Basse Taille is designed to be worked in Berroco Pima Soft, a DK weight yarn. The pattern calls for 6 balls of color #4632 Cantaloupe as the main color and 3 balls of color #4602 Chiffon as the contrasting color. Each ball weighs 50 grams, requiring approximately 450 grams of main color yarn and 225 grams of contrasting color yarn total.

Knitters will need a 32-inch circular needle in size 6 (4 mm) or the size required to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include waste yarn for the provisional cast-on method, 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats or shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The shawl requires blocking to reach its final dimensions and to even out the striped colorwork.