Deflection

Deflection Shawl by Carissa Browning

What Is Being Made

Deflection is a fingering weight knitted shawl designed by Carissa Browning. This intermediate-level project creates a triangular shawl with a finished span of 78 inches and a center height of 17 inches. The shawl features a two-color construction that allows for creative color play and visual interest through strategic yarn placement.

Design and Construction

The shawl employs a thoughtfully structured construction method that makes it highly customizable. The pattern is easily adjusted for different sizes by repeating specific sections until desired dimensions are achieved. This adaptability is particularly useful for crafters who wish to create a larger or smaller version while maintaining the design's proportions. The designer recommends weighing yarn before beginning to help determine how many pattern repeats to work, allowing knitters to use approximately one-third of their total yardage for the increasing sections before transitioning to the finishing sections.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Deflection showcases two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual and textural contrast:

• Garter stitch forms the foundation and creates a bumpy, textured fabric with excellent drape
• Brioche rib adds sophisticated dimension and elasticity, creating a more refined appearance where it meets the garter stitch center spine

The combination of these stitches demonstrates intermediate knitting skill, as brioche rib requires understanding yarn overs and knitting through stitches from the previous row. The pattern uses an increasing section with repeating rows (Rows 9-12) that allow the shawl to expand gradually from the center outward.

Yarn and Materials

This project calls for fingering weight yarn in two coordinating colors, with approximately 400 yards of each color required. The pattern specifies Meadowcroft Dyeworks Yarn Rehab Rockshelter Sock yarn, which is composed of 100% merino wool. The light color (LC) used is Apothecary, while the dark color (DC) is Belgische Chocolate. Each color requires one 100-gram skein providing 400 yards.

The project uses a US #3/3.25mm circular needle to accommodate the expanding stitch count as the shawl grows. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and two stitch markers to help track pattern sections.

Gauge and Blocking

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. After blocking, the garter stitch section should measure 23 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches, while the brioche rib section should measure 18 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches. Blocking is a critical finishing step that helps even out the stitches and allows the shawl to reach its full intended span and drape.