Vriti

Vriti Crescent Shawl by knidhiknits

What is Being Made

Vriti is a crescent-shaped shawl designed by knidhiknits, crafted using three complementary colors of light fingering weight yarn. This intermediate-level knitting project features finished measurements of 70 inches [178cm] between the tips and a depth of 19 inches [48cm], making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Construction and Design

The shawl is constructed in two distinct sections, each employing different stitch techniques to create visual and textural interest. The body of the shawl showcases the primary design element, while the border features a contrasting stitch pattern that frames the piece.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Body Section: The main body of Vriti is predominantly worked in twisted rib stitches, which create a subtle vertical texture throughout the piece. This foundational stitch is combined with additional stitch patterns strategically placed to build layers of texture and visual complexity across the shawl's surface.

Border Section: The border is executed using two-colour brioche knitting, a sophisticated technique that creates a reversible, elastic fabric with distinctive horizontal ridges. The brioche section incorporates basic brioche increase and decrease stitches, allowing the shawl to expand into its crescent shape while maintaining the characteristic brioche texture. Circular needles are required for working the brioche section due to the stitch construction method.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

Vriti requires light fingering weight yarn in three distinct colors:

• C1 (Primary Accent): 330 yards [300m] – shown in pink in the sample
• C2 (Border Dominant): 300 yards [275m] – shown in yellow, used predominantly in the brioche border section
• C3 (Secondary): 530 yards [485m] – shown in variegated colorway

The sample shown was knitted using Bear in Sheep's Clothing Luxury yarn, a premium blend of 50% wool and 50% silk, offering 495 meters per 100-gram skein. The specific colors used in the sample are Smoke (C1), Protista (C2), and Millpond (C3).

Needles and Gauge Considerations

Vriti is worked on US size 3 [3.25mm] circular needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. A second set of US size 5 [3.75mm] needles – approximately two sizes larger than the gauge needles – is used for the bind-off edge to create a stretchy, finished edge.

Gauge is an important consideration for this pattern, as the designer notes that needle size may need adjustment based on individual knitting tension. The designer, who knits tightly, used the same needle size for both the twisted rib body and brioche sections. Knitters with looser tension may prefer to use larger needles for the brioche section to maintain consistent fabric density throughout the piece.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more complex stitch patterns. Familiarity with twisted rib stitches, brioche knitting techniques, and two-colour knitting methods is beneficial for completing this project successfully.