Barres Shawl

Barres Shawl by Mathieu Arnold

What is Being Made

The Barres Shawl is a long, rectangular shawl designed by Mathieu Arnold. This knitted accessory measures 1.90 meters by 45 centimeters (75 inches by 18 inches), making it an elegant drape suitable for layering or wrapping. The shawl is named after Éverard des Barres, the third Grand Master of the Knights Templar, with the name pronounced /baʁ/.

Pattern Structure and Design

The Barres Shawl features a distinctive geometric design composed of small squares created by horizontal and vertical lines across the 45-centimeter pattern width. The pattern is built using repeating sections that can be adjusted to customize the finished size. The standard construction uses two pattern repeats in width and three repeats in height to achieve a 12-centimeter (5-inch) square gauge measurement. I-cord edging runs along both sides of the shawl, providing a finished border that may appear slightly loose initially but tightens as the knitting progresses.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for those new to the craft. The construction relies on charted rows that are knitted from the provided diagrams, allowing knitters to follow the geometric pattern visually. The shawl incorporates i-cord edging on both sides, a classic technique that creates a neat, tubular border. The pattern is designed with flexibility in mind—knitters can enlarge the shawl by adding additional repeats of rows 1 through 12 in the setup section and extending the i-cord accordingly.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While the specific stitches are detailed in the "Abbreviations and Techniques" section of the full pattern instructions, the Barres Shawl uses a combination of basic knitting stitches arranged to create the characteristic grid of small squares. The pattern relies on chart reading, a valuable skill for knitters working with geometric and textured designs.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: 450 meters (490 yards) of DK weight yarn
• Needles: US 7 / 4.5mm needles, or size required to obtain gauge
• Notions: Darning needle for finishing
• Gauge: Two pattern repeats in width and three repeats in height should measure 12 centimeters (5 inches) square

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Rated as a beginner project, the Barres Shawl is accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. The pattern instructions emphasize reading all notes and dimensions before beginning, and the charted format provides clear visual guidance. The beginner-friendly classification makes this an excellent project for developing skills in pattern reading and geometric knitting while creating a wearable, elegant finished piece.