Big Twist

Big Twist Shawl by Anne Hanson

What is Being Made

Big Twist is a dramatic winter wrap shawl designed as a reversible knit accessory. This project combines bold visual impact with practical wearability, functioning as both a statement piece and a functional garment for cold weather. The shawl is notable for its dual nature: it can be worn as a sophisticated evening accessory or as a casual winter wrap depending on yarn choice and styling.

Design Features and Construction

The defining characteristic of Big Twist is its cable work that runs the entire length and width of the piece, creating substantial texture throughout. Despite the robust appearance created by these big, fat, lush cables, the shawl achieves a surprisingly light and drapey fabric when worked at a loose gauge with sport-weight yarn. The designer incorporates eyelets strategically throughout the design, which contribute to the airy quality and prevent the piece from becoming heavy even with extensive cable patterning.

The reversible construction means both sides of the shawl feature the cable texture, making this an efficient use of stitch work and adding versatility to the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cable knitting: The primary technique, with cables running continuously across the width and length of the shawl for dramatic visual and tactile texture
• Eyelet work: Strategic placement of eyelets to maintain drape and prevent density in the fabric
• Loose gauge knitting: Working at a deliberately loose gauge to achieve lightness and flow despite the cable complexity
• Reversible construction: Pattern engineering that allows both sides to display finished cable work

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While the PDF does not specify individual stitch abbreviations, the project relies on cable stitches as the foundation of the design, combined with eyelet stitches for openwork sections. The combination of these stitches creates the signature texture and drape of the finished shawl.

Yarn and Materials

Big Twist is designed for sport-weight yarn, which provides the ideal balance of drape and stitch definition for the cable work. The shawl is shown in two colorways using different yarn bases:

• Bare Naked Wools Festivus 5.0 Sport in Union Suit colorway (left image)
• Bare Naked Wools Modern Deco Sport in Chrome colorway (right image)

The designer notes that yarn choice significantly impacts the finished aesthetic. Rustic wool yarns create a cozy, textured appearance, while silkier blends produce a more polished, refined fabric suitable for boardroom or evening wear. Additional suggested yarn options include Bare Naked Wools Chebris Sport, Cabécou Sport, Jacob's Dream Sport, Stone Soup DK, and Ke (brand/name appears incomplete in source material).

Difficulty Level and Project Scope

Big Twist is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. While cable work requires familiarity with cable stitches and the ability to read a patterned chart, the project is described as a surprisingly quick knit relative to its visual impact, making it suitable for gifting or for knitters seeking a fresh winter accessory within a reasonable timeframe.

Gauge and Sizing Considerations

The designer emphasizes that yarn and needle substitutions will result in variations to overall size, drape, and yardage requirements. Knitters should carefully swatch in their chosen yarn at their intended gauge to ensure the desired finished dimensions and fabric characteristics, as the loose gauge and cable construction are integral to achieving the intended light, drapey quality.