Born To Be Free

Born To Be Free Brioche & Lace Triangular Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Born To Be Free is a triangular shawl designed by Christelle Nihoul and published by Christal LK Designs. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated accessory that combines brioche knitting with lace techniques, resulting in a garment with textural depth and visual interest suitable for experienced knitters looking to expand their technical skills.

Knitting Techniques Used

This shawl pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques that work together to create its distinctive appearance:

• Brioche Knitting: A specialized technique that creates a stretchy, reversible fabric with a distinctive ribbed texture. Brioche stitches are worked by knitting into the yarn overs from the previous row, producing dimensional columns of fabric.
• German Short Rows: Used to shape the triangular silhouette. Short rows are worked by turning the knitting before completing a full row, allowing the knitter to increase stitches in specific sections. The German short row method creates a double stitch by slipping one stitch purlwise with the yarn positioned in front, then pulling the yarn over the right-hand needle to the back of the work with tension. This technique eliminates gaps that can occur with other short row methods.
• Lace Work: Incorporated throughout the pattern to add openness and elegance to the shawl structure.
• Double Yarn Overs: A lace technique where yarn is wrapped twice around the needle on right-side rows, then worked as two separate stitches on the following wrong-side row—the first yarn over is purled normally, and the second is purled through the back loop.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

Stockinette Stitch forms the foundation fabric, worked in the round using circular needles. The pattern achieves a gauge of 19 stitches and 34 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch after blocking, which is typical for 4-ply yarn weight. The combination of stockinette with brioche and lace stitches creates contrast and visual texture throughout the finished shawl.

Materials and Notions

Yarn: The pattern calls for Wol Met Verve Basic Sock yarn, a 4-ply weight yarn containing 75% superwash virgin wool and 25% nylon, which provides durability and easy care. The shawl is worked in multiple colors:

• Main color (CC1 Festival): 420 meters total
• Contrast color 2 (CC2 Pink): 405 meters total
• Contrast color 3 (CC3 Lime): 400 meters total

Needles and Notions: A 100-centimeter (40-inch) circular needle in US size 6 (4mm) accommodates the increasing stitch count as the triangular shawl grows. Stitch markers help track pattern repeats and shaping sections. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Difficulty Level and Knitter Experience

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is designed for knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to tackle specialized techniques. Familiarity with brioche knitting, short-row shaping, and lace construction is beneficial. The pattern references an instructional YouTube video demonstrating the German short row technique, providing visual guidance for this critical shaping method.