One By One

One By One Shawl by Christin Kimsey

Project Overview

One By One is a size-adjustable knitted shawl pattern designed by independent designer Christin Kimsey. This intermediate-level knitting project features a striking two-colour design that showcases the interplay between contrasting yarn colours. The pattern's flexibility allows knitters to customize the finished size by adjusting yarn quantities, making it an adaptable project for various skill levels and stash-busting goals.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a beautiful shawl using a two-colour knitting technique. The design relies on the visual contrast between a darker colour (DC) and a lighter colour (LC) to create its distinctive appearance. The shawl is knitted in the round using circular needles, and the adjustable nature of the pattern means you can create anything from a smaller accessory to a larger wrap depending on your yarn quantities and preferences.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

The sample featured in the pattern uses 2 x 100 g skeins of Ring-a-Rosie Singles Merino, with one skein each in two contrasting colours. This yarn provides 366 metres (400 yards) per 100 grams and is classified as 4-ply weight. However, the pattern is designed to work with equal amounts of two contrasting colours in alternative quantities. Options include 2 x 150 g or 2 x 200 g of yarn, allowing knitters to adjust the project size to their preferences.

For best results, solid-coloured yarns are recommended. Multicoloured or variegated yarns should be avoided, as they will obscure the two-colour pattern design and diminish the visual impact of the contrasting colours.

Needles and Notions

• Circular needles: 4 mm/US 6 size with a 100 cm (40 inch) cord length, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in yarn ends upon completion

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques including knit stitches and knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases. The two-colour design is created through alternating the dark and light colours throughout the pattern, requiring knitters to manage two working yarns simultaneously. This technique adds visual interest and complexity while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.

The pattern uses circular needles worked in the round, which is a common method for shawl construction. This approach provides flexibility in sizing and creates a seamless finished garment.

Gauge Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22-23 stitches over 10 centimetres (4 inches) before washing, which adjusts to 17-18 stitches over 10 centimetres after washing. Notably, gauge is not considered especially critical for this pattern; however, variations in gauge will affect the total yarn usage and final dimensions of the completed shawl. This flexibility makes the pattern forgiving for knitters who may not achieve exact gauge.

Pattern Features

The size-adjustable nature of One By One makes it an excellent choice for knitters looking to customize their projects. Whether you prefer a smaller, more delicate shawl or a larger wrap, you can modify the yarn quantities while maintaining the essential design elements. The two-colour contrast creates a sophisticated, visually striking finished piece that showcases the interplay between the dark and light colours throughout the knitted fabric.