Baskerville

Baskerville Shawl by Beth Kling

What is Being Made

Baskerville is a knitted shawl designed by Beth Kling, offered as a downloadable PDF pattern. This is a beginner-level project that produces a finished shawl measuring 60 inches (152.4 cm) wide by 17 inches (43.2 cm) deep, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Yarn and Materials

The shawl is constructed using 2 skeins of Lioness Arts Silky DK yarn, a blend of 50% silk and 50% merino wool. Each skein provides 230 yards (210 meters) of yarn and weighs 3.53 ounces (100 grams). The yarn shown in the pattern sample is dyed in the colorway Shapes in the Clouds. DK weight yarn is a versatile mid-weight option that creates fabric with good drape and stitch definition.

Tools and Equipment

Knitters will need the following tools to complete this project:

• 1 pair of US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles, at least 24 inches long
• 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Several yards of smooth waste yarn, approximately the same weight as the main yarn, used for the provisional cast-on method
• Crochet hook, size H/8 (5mm), required for executing the provisional cast-on technique
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during finishing

Gauge and Construction Method

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5 stitches and 6 rows per inch (2.5 cm) in stockinette stitch when knit flat and measured unblocked. This gauge information is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The shawl begins with a provisional cast-on, a technique that allows stitches to be picked up later for a seamless or reversible edge.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Baskerville employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level knitters:

• Stockinette stitch — the primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat
• Yarn overs (yo) — decorative increases that create lacy openings, a signature element of shawl construction
• Knit through the back loop (ktbl) — a twisted stitch variation that adds texture and structure
• Purl through the back loop (ptbl) — the purl equivalent, creating twisted stitches on the reverse side
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease used to shape the shawl
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) — a left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog for balanced shaping
• Central double increase (cdi) — an increase technique that creates decorative stitch patterns
• Central double decrease (cdd) — a decrease technique used for structured shaping
• Slip marker (sm) and place marker (pm) — methods for tracking pattern sections and construction points

The pattern begins with a set-up section that establishes the foundation stitches and introduces the yarn-over increases that characterize shawl design. The combination of increases and decreases creates the geometric shaping that allows the shawl to expand from a narrow starting edge to its full width.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

This pattern is classified as beginner-level, making it suitable for knitters with basic experience in fundamental stitches and techniques. The downloadable PDF format provides detailed written instructions and pattern abbreviations for easy reference during the knitting process.