Karise

Karise Shawl by Karina Westermann

What is Being Made

The Karise is a top-down knitted shawl designed to showcase the beauty of hand-dyed sock yarn. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished shawl measuring approximately 53cm by 134cm (21 inches by 53 inches), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping. The design is engineered to use just one skein of yarn, making it an efficient and elegant project for knitters seeking a complete garment from a single skein of premium yarn.

Techniques Used

The Karise employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to begin at the neck or shoulder area and work downward toward the finished edge. This approach provides flexibility in the final dimensions and makes it easy to adjust the shawl size before binding off. The pattern combines two distinct stitch sections that work together harmoniously: a stocking stitch section that provides a smooth, refined canvas to display the yarn's hand-dyed colors and character, followed by an easy lace section that flows organically from one shape to another. This combination of stockinette and lace creates visual interest while maintaining accessibility for advanced knitters.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch used in the upper portion of the shawl, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric that allows the yarn's hand-dyed colors to take center stage
• Lace Stitches: An easy lace section that transitions smoothly from the stockinette section, adding delicate openwork and visual flow to the lower portion of the shawl

Materials and Specifications

The Karise requires approximately 400 yards of fingering weight or 4ply yarn. The sample shown in the pattern uses Old Maiden Aunt superwash merino/silk 4ply in the colorway Ghillie Dhu. Knitters will need a 4mm (US6, UK8) circular needle measuring at least 60cm (24 inches) in length to accommodate the increasing stitches as the shawl grows. Additional optional materials include stitch markers to help track pattern repeats, a 4mm crochet hook for finishing techniques, and a scrap of contrast color cotton yarn for provisional cast-on methods if desired.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches and 34 rows measured over 4 inches of blocked stocking stitch when worked on 4mm needles. The designer notes that exact gauge is not crucial for this design, allowing for some flexibility in yarn substitution. The Karise is classified as an advanced knitting pattern, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with lace techniques and top-down construction methods.