Promises in the Dark

Promises in the Dark Knit Shawl by Cheryl Faust

Project Overview

Promises in the Dark is an elegant knit shawl pattern designed by Cheryl Faust for contemporary knitters seeking an intermediate-level project. This one-size-fits-all shawl features a generous wingspan of 73 inches (185 cm) with a center spine depth of 31 inches (79 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a sophisticated shawl with a two-color design that combines visual interest with wearable elegance. The finished piece measures 73 inches across the wingspan, providing substantial coverage while maintaining a graceful silhouette. The 31-inch depth at the center spine allows for multiple styling options, from traditional shoulder wraps to flowing drapes.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

The shawl requires approximately 685 yards (626 meters) of yarn worked across two colors:

• Color 1 (C1): Approximately 385 yards (352 meters) of DK weight yarn. The sample uses Harrisville Designs Nightshades, requiring 2 skeins at 250 yards (229 meters) per skein.
• Color 2 (C2): Approximately 300 yards (274 meters) of worsted weight yarn. The sample uses Spincycle Yarns Dream State in Deep Bump, requiring 2 skeins at 150 yards (137 meters) per skein.

The combination of DK and worsted weight yarns creates textural variation and visual depth in the finished shawl.

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles, 40 inches (100 cm) or longer (smallest)
• US 5 / 3.75 mm circular needles, 40 inches (100 cm) or longer (small)
• US 6 / 4.0 mm circular needles, 40 inches (100 cm) or longer (medium)
• US 7 / 4.5 mm straight or small circular needles for bind-off (large)
• E / 4 / 3.5 mm crochet hook for finishing techniques

Needle sizes may be adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. The inclusion of a crochet hook indicates that crochet finishing techniques are incorporated into the pattern construction.

Gauge and Construction

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 21 stitches by 44 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters). Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the specified finished dimensions and ensuring the shawl drapes correctly.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Promises in the Dark is designed for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The use of multiple needle sizes, two-color yarn work, and the combination of knitting and crochet techniques makes this an engaging project for developing knitters.

Designer Information

This pattern is created by Cheryl Faust of knitstudio64, known for designing stylish patterns for the contemporary knitter. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF format for convenient access and printing.