Slipping away

Slipping Away Knit Shawl by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

Slipping Away is an intermediate-level knit shawl pattern designed by Brian Smith. This downloadable PDF provides complete instructions for creating a beautiful triangular shawl using a combination of two complementary yarn colors and slip-stitch colorwork techniques to add visual interest and texture.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a large triangular shawl with generous dimensions. The finished shawl measures 154 centimeters across the wingspan and 83 centimeters at its widest depth point, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory. The shawl is constructed using a top-down approach on circular needles, allowing for continuous knitting and easy stitch management throughout the project.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Slipping Away shawl employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance. Slip-stitch colorwork is the primary decorative technique, where stitches are slipped with yarn positioned at the back or front to create subtle color changes and textural variation without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork. Increases are strategically placed using the Make One Left (M1L) method to shape the triangular form of the shawl. The pattern also incorporates marker placement to help track pattern repeats and structural sections, making it easier to follow the instructions accurately across multiple rows.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches combined in a structured sequence. The primary stitches include:

• Knit (K) – the basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P) – used to create textural contrast and structure
• Slip stitches – executed both purlwise with yarn at back (Sl1yb) and purlwise with yarn at front (Sl1yf) to create the colorwork pattern
• Make One Left (M1L) – an invisible increase method used to shape the shawl's triangular silhouette

The pattern is organized into distinct sections, with Section One featuring repeating slip-stitch motifs worked over nine stitches, creating a rhythmic pattern repeat that continues throughout the shawl's construction.

Materials and Specifications

The Slipping Away shawl is worked using 4-ply weight yarn, which provides excellent stitch definition and allows the slip-stitch colorwork to display clearly. Two yarn colors are required:

• Life in the Long Grass (LITLG) Earth in the shade Cauldron (Color A) – 92 grams used
• Life in the Long Grass (LITLG) Zebra Sock in the shade Soft Day (Color B) – 70 grams used

The pattern calls for UK 4mm/US 6 circular needles measuring 120 centimeters in length, allowing ample space for the growing number of stitches as the shawl expands. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, a row counter for monitoring progress, and a blocking kit for finishing.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters in blocked stocking stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions. The shawl requires blocking after completion to set the stitches, even out the fabric, and achieve the final wingspan and depth measurements. Blocking helps the slip-stitch colorwork pattern fully develop and ensures the shawl drapes beautifully.