Amber viola shawl

Amber Viola Shawl by Emelie Litwin

Project Overview

The Amber Viola shawl is an intermediate-level knitted wrap designed by Emelie Litwin. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a generous triangular shawl with a wingspan along the top edge of 77 inches (195 centimeters) and a center depth of 31.5 inches (80 centimeters), making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a large triangular shawl worked from the top down. The generous dimensions and construction method make it a versatile garment that can be worn as a wrap, shawlette, or decorative layer. The three-color construction using fingering weight yarns creates visual interest through strategic color placement.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn Weight: Fingering weight (also known as 3-ply and 4-ply in the pattern specifications), which is a fine yarn ideal for creating delicate, drape-friendly fabrics.

• Color A: 140 grams of Madelinetosh Merino Light in Tern (100g/384 meters or 420 yards per 100g skein)
• Color B: 115 grams of Manos del Uruguay Fino in Duchess (100g/448 meters or 490 yards per 100g skein)
• Color C: 45 grams of Manos del Uruguay Fino in Pocketwatch (100g/448 meters or 490 yards per 100g skein)

Needles and Notions: One 24-inch (60 centimeter) circular needle in US size 4 (3.5 millimeters) or the size needed to obtain gauge. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 28 to 30 stitches per 10 centimeters (4 inches) measured in garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the specified finished dimensions.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Primary Stitch: Garter stitch forms the foundation of this shawl, created by knitting every row. This reversible stitch provides texture and structure while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.

Increase Methods: The pattern employs multiple increase techniques to shape the triangular form:

• Kfb (knit into front and back): A standard increase that adds one stitch by working into both the front and back loops of a single stitch
• Yarn overs (yo): Decorative increases created by wrapping yarn around the needle, which produce small eyelet holes characteristic of lace and shawl patterns
• Brk (knit together with yarn): A specialized stitch combining a knit stitch with its yarn, used in the br8st increase sequence
• Br8st: A complex increase sequence (brk, yo, brk, yo, brk, yo, brk, yo, then brk in the same stitch) that adds 8 stitches in a single stitch, creating dramatic shaping

Decrease Methods: Strategic decreases shape and define the shawl's edges:

• Brp (purl together with yarn): A purl-based decrease used in specific sections
• BrLsl (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over): A left-leaning decrease that removes 2 stitches, created by slipping one stitch knitwise, knitting the following 2 stitches together, then passing the slipped stitch over the result

Slip Stitches: The pattern uses slip stitches (sl1) worked both knitwise and purlwise to create clean edges and transitions. The sl1yo (slip 1, yarn over) combination adds decorative elements while maintaining stitch count in specific sections.

Pattern Repeats: The abbreviation "rep" indicates sections that are repeated throughout the pattern, allowing the knitter to establish rhythm and create consistent stitch sequences across multiple rows or rounds.

Construction Method

This shawl is constructed using a top-down triang