Assante

Assante Shawl by Melanie Berg

What Is Being Made

Assante is a knitted shawl designed by Melanie Berg that combines ease of construction with striking visual impact. This lace-weight shawl features a generous wingspan of 106 inches (270 cm) along the top edge and measures 20 inches (50 cm) at the center, making it a substantial accessory perfect for adding color and warmth to your wardrobe.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Assante shawl is engineered to knit up easily despite its dramatic appearance. The pattern uses straightforward knitting methods that remain accessible to intermediate-level knitters. The primary construction technique involves garter stitch, a fundamental knitting stitch that creates a textured, reversible fabric. The shawl's impressive size is achieved through strategic increases worked throughout the pattern, requiring patience during the final long rows as the piece expands significantly.

Stitches Used

The Assante pattern employs essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit (k) – the foundational stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) – used in combination with knit stitches
• Kfb (knit front and back) – an increase technique that creates one additional stitch
• Kfbf (knit front, back, and front) – a double increase technique that creates two additional stitches from one
• K2tog (knit 2 together) – a decrease technique that combines two stitches into one
• Garter stitch – the primary stitch pattern worked in blocked gauge

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Assante is worked in lace-weight yarn, specifically Zitron Filigran, a luxurious blend of 100% Merino wool. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 13 stitches and 28 rows per 2 inches (5 cm) in garter stitch when blocked. The pattern requires one full skein of Zitron Filigran in your primary color choice (color A) and half a skein in a contrasting color (color B), allowing for creative color combinations to brighten your winter months.

Needles and Tools

The shawl is constructed using US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches (100 cm) in length. Circular needles accommodate the increasing number of stitches as the shawl expands from the initial cast-on through the final rows.

Pattern Details

This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Melanie Berg is formatted for intermediate knitters seeking a project that delivers impressive results without excessive complexity. The pattern includes clear abbreviations, finished measurements, and contact information for pattern support, making it an accessible choice for knitters ready to expand their skills while creating a wearable, colorful accessory.