Tasket

Tasket Shawl by Megi Burcl

What is Being Made

Tasket is a downloadable knitting pattern for a sophisticated shawl or scarf designed by independent designer Megi Burcl. This is an advanced-level knitting project that produces a finished piece with exceptional drape and visual texture, making it suitable for display or everyday wear. The design requires only 375 yards of yarn, making it an ideal project for premium yarn bases that typically come in smaller skeins.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Structure

The Tasket pattern centers on the broken rib stitch, which serves as the foundational stitch pattern for the body of the shawl. The designer specifically chose this stitch for its combination of visual interest and fabric qualities. The broken rib creates lovely purl lines and garter bumps throughout the fabric, resulting in a textile with substantial texture and movement. This stitch pattern is particularly effective with yarns that possess natural shine, as the texture and drape showcase the yarn's luster without requiring additional complex colorwork or intricate stitch patterns to compete for visual attention.

The edging incorporates a modern interpretation of the classic feather and fan stitch, reimagined to complement the purl column texture established in the body. This transitional edging creates a cohesive design that echoes the structural elements of the main fabric while adding a refined finishing detail.

Specific Stitches and Decreases

The pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques and abbreviations:

• k & p: Basic knit and purl stitches that form the foundation of the broken rib pattern
• k2tog: Knit 2 together, a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• ssk: Slip slip knit, a left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog for balanced decreases
• yo: Yarn over, which creates the openwork elements characteristic of the feather and fan edging
• m1r / m1l: Make one right and make one left, increases used for shaping and creating the shawl's silhouette
• dd: Centered double decrease, an advanced technique that decreases two stitches while maintaining a centered appearance

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Tasket is designed for fingering weight yarn (4-ply), requiring a total of 375 yards to complete the project. The designer specifically recommends this pattern for premium yarn bases including merino silk blends, merino tencel blends, and MCN (merino, cashmere, nylon) blends. These fiber combinations are often packaged in smaller-than-standard skeins, making the modest yardage requirement ideal for knitters who wish to work with luxury fibers.

The pattern calls for a size #5 circular needle measuring 36 inches or larger, which accommodates the shawl's width during construction. Additional supplies include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a needle or hook for weaving in yarn ends, scissors, and blocking supplies to finish and shape the completed shawl.

Design Philosophy

Both prototypes were knit with beautiful, shiny yarns that allowed the broken rib stitch pattern and resulting fabric drape to shine without additional visual complexity. The designer's approach prioritizes the inherent qualities of premium yarns, letting texture and sheen speak for themselves rather than layering multiple pattern elements. This philosophy makes Tasket an excellent choice for showcasing special yarn bases and demonstrates how thoughtful stitch selection can create sophisticated results through simplicity rather than intricacy.