Kiekko

Kiekko Shawl by Bérangère Cailliau

What Is Being Made

Kiekko is a beginner-friendly knitted shawl designed by independent designer Bérangère Cailliau. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 158 centimeters by 40 centimeters, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping. The design is engineered to use only one skein of yarn, making it an accessible project for knitters seeking a complete garment from a single ball of fiber.

Design and Construction

The shawl combines two distinct knitting techniques to create visual interest and showcase the characteristics of hand-dyed yarn. The pattern alternates between lace stitch and stockinette stitch, allowing the nuances and color variations of the yarn to be prominently displayed. This combination of open lacework and solid knit fabric creates a balanced, wearable design that works well for various occasions and seasons.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the stockinette sections
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used in lace patterning
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skp) – a left-leaning single decrease
• Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sk2p) – a double decrease creating more dramatic lace openings
• Lace stitch – open, decorative patterning created through strategic yarn overs and decreases
• Stockinette stitch – smooth, classic knit fabric formed by alternating knit and purl rows

Materials and Specifications

This pattern requires one skein of Pimprenelle de Graine de laine yarn, which contains 402 meters of fiber and weighs 100 grams. The yarn is worked on size 4 needles. The specified gauge is 24 stitches and 32 rows measured over a 10-centimeter by 10-centimeter swatch in stockinette stitch, ensuring proper sizing and drape.

Yarn Weight and Customization Options

The pattern uses 4-ply yarn weight, a medium-light fiber suitable for creating fabric with good stitch definition. For knitters desiring a larger shawl, the designer provides flexibility by suggesting either upgrading to a heavier weight yarn or knitting with two strands of yarn held together. These modifications allow the same pattern to be scaled up while maintaining the original stitch proportions and design integrity.

Skill Level

Kiekko is classified as a beginner-level project, making it accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. While the pattern incorporates lace techniques, the combination of straightforward stitches and the relatively small yardage requirement make this an ideal introduction to lace shawl knitting.