Leitmotif

Leitmotif Knitting Pattern by Leah Prestamo

What is Being Made

Leitmotif is a downloadable knitting pattern for a triangular shawl designed by Leah Prestamo. This intermediate-level project creates a generous wingspan shawl measuring 56 inches (142 cm) across with a depth of 30.5 inches (77.5 cm) from the top edge to the bottom corner, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a wrap.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern requires three skeins of Baa Ram Ewe Winterburn DK yarn, consisting of two skeins in the Aire colorway and one skein in the Chevin colorway. Total yardage needed is 750 yards (685 meters), with 500 yards (457 meters) in the main color and 250 yards (228 meters) in the contrast color. The yarn weight is DK (double knitting), a versatile mid-weight suitable for creating fabric with good drape and stitch definition.

Tools Required

Knitters will need a 36-inch (90 cm) circular needle in size US 5 (3.75 mm) and three stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points throughout the project.

Gauge and Stitch Techniques

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches by 44 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch. This gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions and should be checked before beginning the project.

Knitting Stitches and Techniques Used

• Yarn overs (Yo): Used throughout the pattern to create decorative lace elements and increase stitches for the triangular shaping
• Knit (K): The foundational stitch used in garter stitch sections and main fabric
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and create lace patterning
• Slip, slip, knit (Ssk): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with K2tog to create symmetrical lace motifs
• Double yarn overs: Created by wrapping yarn twice around the needle, producing larger openings in the lace pattern
• Purl (P): Used selectively in contrast color rows to add textural interest
• Knit into front and back (Kfb): An increase technique for adding stitches
• Garter stitch: The primary stitch pattern, created by knitting every row, providing a classic, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges

Pattern Construction

The shawl is constructed using a combination of garter stitch and lace patterning. The pattern features a charted main section on page 4, with repeating motifs that include coordinated decreases and yarn overs. The design incorporates both main color (MC) and contrast color (CC) sections, allowing knitters to create visual interest through colorwork. Rows alternate between right-side (RS) and wrong-side rows, with specific instructions for each row number to ensure proper stitch placement and pattern alignment.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle lace patterning and shawl construction. Familiarity with reading knitting charts, managing yarn overs and decreases, and working with circular needles is recommended.