Brimson

Brimson Knit Shawl by Melissa Schaschwary

What Is Being Made

Brimson is an advanced-level knit wrap shawl designed by independent designer Melissa Schaschwary. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated wrap worked in two separate pieces that are seamed together at the center, allowing for a structured construction method that builds the shawl from the bottom up.

Construction Method

The wrap employs a two-piece construction technique, with both pieces worked from the bottom up before being joined. This approach provides flexibility in shaping and allows knitters to work with manageable sections. The pieces are seamed together at the center using a tapestry needle, creating a finished wrap with intentional seaming details.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Cast On: Long Tail Cast On method with 102 stitches
• Stockinette Stitch: The foundation stitch used throughout, created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Garter Stitch: Knit stitches on both sides, used for the 3-row bottom edge and border sections
• Cable Crosses: Cr2F (cable right front) and Cr2B (cable right back) stitches create textured cable pattern details in the edging
• Chart-Based Patterning: The pattern progresses through alphabetically ordered charts with specific row-by-row instructions
• 3-Needle Bind Off: Advanced finishing technique for secure seaming
• Reverse Stockinette: Purl rows create texture contrast against knit sections

Yarn and Materials

Brimson is designed for 4.5 skeins of Natural Colors Merino Worsted by Swans Island, a worsted weight yarn (10 ply) with 250 yards and 100 grams per skein. The pattern sample is shown in the Shale colorway. This merino wool yarn provides softness and drape ideal for wrap construction.

Needles: Size 9/5.5mm circular knitting needles, 36 inches in length, accommodate the 102 cast-on stitches and allow for comfortable working of the wrap sections.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle is required for seaming the two pieces together and weaving in yarn ends. A cable needle is necessary for executing the cable cross stitches throughout the pattern.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) of stockinette stitch when using size 9/5.5mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the wrap to reach its intended finished dimensions and drape.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, suitable for experienced knitters. The combination of cable techniques, chart reading, two-piece construction, and finishing methods requires solid foundational skills and comfort with intermediate-to-advanced knitting concepts.