Kallie

Kallie Shawl by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

Kallie is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Brian Smith Designs. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a generous triangular shawl with a wingspan of 182cm and a maximum depth of 72cm after blocking, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a substantial, wearable accessory.

What Is Being Made

The Kallie shawl is a top-down triangular design that begins with a small cast-on and expands progressively through strategic yarn overs and decreases. The finished piece is a large wrap suitable for draping across the shoulders or wearing as a generous shawlette. The shawl's generous dimensions make it an elegant finishing piece for any wardrobe.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The shawl uses a top-down construction method, beginning with a small number of stitches and expanding outward. The design incorporates strategic increases through yarn overs placed at regular intervals to create the triangular silhouette. The pattern alternates between sections of stockinette stitch and lace-like patterning, providing visual interest and texture variation throughout the piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Knit (K): The foundational stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P): Used selectively within the pattern structure
• Yarn Over (Yo): Creates decorative eyelets and increases stitches simultaneously, essential to the shawl's expanding construction
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in lace sections to balance yarn overs
• Yarn Round Needle (Yrn): An alternative yarn over technique for specific stitch sequences
• Purl Two Together (P2tog): A decrease worked on the wrong side
• Knit Into Front and Back (Kfb): Creates an increase by working into two loops of a single stitch

The pattern alternates between solid stockinette sections and lace sections featuring yarn over and decrease combinations, creating a rhythmic visual pattern across the shawl's surface.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for one ball of Rico Creative Melange Aran Wonderball in shade 04 Multicolour. This aran-weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition and drape suitable for shawl construction. The multicolour option adds visual depth and interest to the finished piece.

Needles: A 120cm circular needle in UK size 5mm (US size 8) is required. The circular needle accommodates the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands from the initial 8 cast-on stitches.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary. A blocking kit is essential, as the pattern specifies finished measurements are taken after blocking, indicating that blocking is a crucial finishing step for achieving the intended dimensions and drape.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 21 rows over 10 centimeters in blocked stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is important for obtaining the intended finished measurements. After blocking, the completed Kallie shawl measures 182 centimeters across the wingspan and 72 centimeters at its widest depth, creating a substantial triangular wrap.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Kallie pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with circular needles and managing increasing stitch counts. The combination of stockinette sections and lace patterning provides appropriate challenge without overwhelming complexity, making it an excellent project for developing lace knitting skills.