Coalesce

Coalesce Shawl by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

Coalesce is a top-down flat knit shawl designed by independent designer Alicia Plummer. This intermediate-level project produces a finished shawl measuring 28 inches by 70 inches (71 cm by 177 cm), making it a versatile triangular or crescent-shaped wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a lightweight shoulder piece.

Yarn and Materials

This shawl is knit using Pure Blends Bulky by Swans Island, a premium yarn blend composed of 85% merino wool and 15% alpaca. The pattern requires a total of 390 yards (357 meters) of yarn, distributed as follows: 130 yards (119 meters) in the contrast color and 260 yards (238 meters) in the main color. The sample shown features Seasmoke as the contrast color and Oatmeal as the main color. The yarn weight is classified as chunky, providing excellent drape and warmth while working up quickly.

Tools and Equipment

Knitters will need US size 11 (8.0 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches in length, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional tools include a darning needle for weaving in ends and 4 place markers to track pattern sections during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 13 stitches and 16 rows per 4-inch (10 cm) square in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions specified in the pattern.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Coalesce employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Stockinette Stitch forms the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Garter Stitch is used on the edges (2 stitches on each side) to create a finished, non-curling border
• Increases are worked as originally established in Rows 1 and 2, creating the expanding triangular shawl shape
• Chart reading is required, with instructions to read charts right to left on right-side rows and left to right on wrong-side rows, a standard convention in charted knitting patterns
• Color work using two yarn colors in a striped pattern: the shawl alternates between the contrast color and main color in a repeating sequence of 4 rows of main color and 6 rows of contrast color

Construction Method

The shawl is worked top down and flat, beginning with a small cast-on of 5 stitches in the contrast color. Knitters work increases on every row according to the established pattern, building the shawl outward. The pattern uses place markers to track body sections, with the final construction reaching 97 stitches between each body marker for a total of 189 stitches. The two-color striping pattern creates visual interest while the increases shape the garment into its finished rectangular dimensions.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable with basic increases, chart reading, and managing multiple colors in a striped pattern. The use of bulky yarn and larger needles helps the project work up relatively quickly despite its finished size.