Copper Patina

Copper Patina Shawl by Martha Wissing

What is Being Made

The Copper Patina is a top-down knitted shawl designed by Martha Wissing. This adjustable shawl features a generous wingspan of 62 inches (157 cm) with a moderate depth of 16 inches (41 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering and everyday wear. The design allows crafters to customize the finished size by continuing to repeat the stitch pattern, enabling both smaller and larger variations depending on preference and available yarn.

Techniques and Construction

This shawl is constructed using a top-down approach, a popular method in modern shawl design that allows knitters to try on the garment as it grows and adjust the final size easily. The shawl features 4 yarn over increases placed on every right side row, strategically positioned to expand the wingspan while maintaining a relatively shallow depth. This increase placement is a deliberate design choice that creates a shawl with excellent drape and wearability without excessive fabric pooling at the neckline.

The construction incorporates two distinct stitch patterns working in harmony. The wings feature stockinette stitch combined with garter ridge detailing, creating a subtle textural contrast and structural definition along the edges. The center section showcases a textured eyelet pattern, adding visual interest and an openwork quality to the central panel. This combination of techniques creates depth and sophistication in the finished piece.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – forms the primary fabric on the wing sections, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Garter Ridge – adds textural definition and structure to the wing edges through alternating knit rows
• Eyelet Pattern – a textured openwork pattern featuring yarn overs and decreases in the center section, creating decorative holes and visual interest
• Yarn Over Increases – used strategically throughout to expand the shawl's wingspan while maintaining shaping control

Materials and Tools

The Copper Patina is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, specifically using Berroco Tiramisu. The pattern calls for 3 balls of Berroco Tiramisu in colorway #9215 Torrone (main color) and 1 ball in colorway #9227 Pizzelle (contrast color), providing approximately 411 yards of the main color and 137 yards of the contrast color combined. This two-color combination creates visual depth and the characteristic patina effect suggested by the shawl's name.

Knitters will need a 32 to 40-inch circular knitting needle in size 8 (5 mm) or the size required to obtain proper gauge, along with stitch markers to track pattern repeats and increase placements. The circular needle accommodates the growing number of stitches as the shawl expands from the top down.

Gauge and Skill Level

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 32 rows equaling 4 inches (10.2 cm) in stockinette stitch and garter ridge pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the shawl drapes correctly. The pattern is rated as Easy to Intermediate difficulty, making it accessible to knitters with some experience who understand basic increases, stitch patterns, and circular needle techniques. The straightforward construction and repeating 4-row pattern stitch make this an excellent project for intermediate knitters looking to expand their shawl-making skills.