Fraternity

Fraternity Knit Shawl by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

Fraternity is a knitted stole designed by independent designer Corrine Walcher. This shawl measures 20 inches wide by 70 inches long when wet blocked, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders. The design celebrates color gradients through the use of a coordinated yarn kit, with the sample shown knit in Shades of Vermillion. As noted in the pattern, Fraternity is a fraternal twin to the designer's Sorority stole, sharing design philosophy while offering its own distinct aesthetic.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio DK Gradient Kit, which contains 100% superwash merino wool totaling 685 yards across 10.6 ounces. The DK weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition while remaining lightweight and drapeable. The superwash treatment makes the finished shawl easy to care for and maintain. Knitters will need a 24-inch circular needle in size 7 US (4.5mm), or the size required to obtain proper gauge.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 4 stitches per inch when measured in wet-blocked stockinette stitch. However, the designer notes that gauge is not critical for this item, though variations in gauge will affect both yardage requirements and the final drape of the stole. Wet blocking is recommended to achieve the finished dimensions and to allow the gradient colors to display their full beauty.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Fraternity is an intermediate-level knitting project that employs fundamental stitch techniques combined with colorwork from the gradient yarn. The pattern utilizes the following stitches and abbreviations:

• Knit (K): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of the stockinette stitch fabric
• Purl (P): Purl stitches create texture and pattern variation
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping and creating the stole's edges
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with K2tog for balanced decreases
• Yarn over (YO): Creates openwork and lace elements that add visual interest and lightness to the fabric

The pattern includes a chart for the stitch pattern, with an important note that the stole contains three edge stitches on either side that are not included in the chart itself. Knitters should place markers after the first three stitches and before the last three stitches to clearly delineate the pattern repeat from the edge stitches, ensuring clean, finished edges.

Design Philosophy

The Fraternity shawl celebrates the concept of association and unity through its use of coordinated gradient colors. The Neighborhood Fiber Company's gradient kits feature colors that are associated yet distinctly different, coming together to create a cohesive and beautiful finished piece. This design approach makes the stole an excellent project for knitters who appreciate how color transitions can enhance the visual impact of a relatively simple stitch pattern.