Tan House Brook Shawl

Tan House Brook Shawl by Jennifer Lassonde

What Is Being Made

The Tan House Brook Shawl is a top-down, elongated triangular shawl designed for both new and experienced knitters. Inspired by the meandering movement of the Tan House Brook stream that flows through the designer's property, this shawl combines simple foundational stitches with textured pattern sections to create visual interest and movement. The finished shawl is versatile and wearable for everyday use, designed to be worn over the shoulders or bandana style for added warmth and visual appeal.

Knitting Techniques

This shawl employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to begin at the top and increase outward toward the bottom edge. The design features a graduated approach to complexity: the simple stockinette section at the beginning serves as an introduction to the increase pattern, making it ideal for newer knitters to build confidence. Once the foundational increases are mastered, texture is introduced in short bursts throughout the project, maintaining interest without overwhelming the knitter. The combination of straightforward sections with patterned elements creates a balanced learning experience.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – forms the primary smooth fabric sections and borders
• Garter stitch – creates textured edges and structural elements
• Lace patterns – incorporated in short sections for subtle texture and visual interest without excessive complexity
• Increase stitches – used throughout the top-down construction to shape the triangular silhouette

Materials

The Tan House Brook Shawl requires 400 yards of yarn and can be worked in either fingering weight or worsted weight, offering flexibility based on desired drape and finished dimensions. The pattern includes a fingering weight sample knitted in Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sock in the Rock Creek Park colorway, which is 100% merino wool. The choice between fingering and worsted weight allows knitters to customize the final shawl's weight and texture while maintaining the same stitch pattern.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner-friendly project, the Tan House Brook Shawl is structured to support knitters new to shawl construction. The gradual introduction of techniques—beginning with simple increases and stockinette, then adding textured elements—makes this an excellent choice for building skills while creating a polished, wearable finished object.