Tricolore

Tricolore Shawl by Samantha Guerin

What is Being Made

Tricolore is a dramatic tri-color shawl designed by Samantha Guerin as a downloadable knitting pattern. This shawl showcases bold color blocking through a thoughtfully constructed three-section design that creates visual impact through strategic color placement and stitch variation.

Construction Method

The Tricolore shawl is worked sideways from tip to tip, meaning you begin at one point and work horizontally across to the opposite point. This construction approach allows for elegant shaping and makes the color transitions an integral part of the design process. The shawl is divided into three distinct sections:

• Increasing wedge: Starting with just a few stitches, you gradually increase stitches to build the shawl from a narrow point to its full width
• Center section: Features the main design elements with repeating lace, color stripes, and slipped stitches layered over a garter stitch base
• Decreasing wedge: Mirrors the increasing wedge by decreasing stitches back down to a narrow point

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This beginner-friendly pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure:

• Garter stitch: Forms the foundational texture throughout the shawl, created by knitting every row
• Two-color stripes: Worked horizontally as you progress through the pattern, creating the distinctive tri-color effect
• Eyelet rows: Decorative openwork elements that add delicate detailing to the shawl
• Lace: Repeating lace patterns worked across the center section, providing elegant openwork details
• Slipped stitches: Used strategically to create texture and visual definition where they rest atop the garter stitch base
• Increases and decreases: Essential shaping techniques used throughout the wedge sections to achieve the sideways construction

Materials and Gauge

Tricolore is worked in 4-ply yarn weight, which provides excellent stitch definition for both the garter stitch base and the lace elements. The recommended gauge is 19 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch after blocking. While exact gauge is not critical for this project, knitting at a different gauge may affect yardage requirements, so swatching is recommended before beginning.

Essential notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming if needed, and blocking materials to shape and set the finished shawl.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner pattern, Tricolore introduces fundamental shawl construction principles through its accessible sideways approach. The combination of basic stitches and clear sectional organization makes this an excellent project for knitters new to shawl knitting who want to explore color work and lace techniques.