Kimberlite

Kimberlite Triangular Shawl by Claire Slade

What is Being Made

Kimberlite is a bold triangular shawl designed by Claire Slade and named after an igneous rock formation that sometimes contains diamonds. This intermediate-level knitting project is knit sideways from one corner, creating a striking geometric garment with finished measurements of 62 inches wide by 27 inches at its deepest point (158 x 69 centimeters). The shawl showcases eye-catching patterned sections that make it a statement piece suitable for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters.

Techniques and Methods

The Kimberlite shawl is constructed using the mosaic knitting method, a colorwork technique that creates intricate patterns through strategic yarn placement and slipped stitches rather than traditional stranding. This method allows for complex visual effects while maintaining manageable tension and fabric integrity. The sideways construction approach means knitters work from a single corner outward, building the triangular shape progressively. The pattern incorporates both charted instructions and written directions, with some sections repeated at multiple points throughout the pattern, requiring careful attention to the full instructions before beginning.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch structure used in Kimberlite is mosaic garter stitch, which combines garter stitch principles with mosaic colorwork techniques. This creates a textured, reversible fabric with visual depth. The mosaic method involves slipping stitches on certain rows to create the appearance of more complex colorwork than is actually being knitted in any single row. The sample shown features a main color of pink with a contrasting black color, demonstrating how the two-color palette creates bold geometric patterns throughout the design.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn Weight: 4ply / fingering weight yarn
• Main Colour (MC) Yardage: 350 yards / 320 meters in pink
• Contrast Colour (CC) Yardage: 400 yards / 366 meters in black
• Needles: 3.5mm / US4 needles
• Gauge: 24 stitches x 46 rows = 4 inches / 10 centimeters in mosaic garter stitch, blocked
• Sample Yarn: Shown in Truly Hooked standard sock shades Dusky Pink and Black

The pattern is designed for 4ply or fingering weight yarn, making it suitable for those seeking a lightweight, elegant shawl. The total yardage requirement is approximately 750 yards / 686 meters combined between the two colors. The gauge specification of 24 stitches and 46 rows per 4 inches is measured in the mosaic garter stitch after blocking, which is essential for achieving accurate finished dimensions.

Pattern Information

The Kimberlite pattern is protected under UK Copyright 2020 and is intended for personal use only. The downloadable PDF format allows knitters to work from digital instructions, though careful reading of the complete pattern before starting is emphasized due to the placement of repeated sections throughout the design. For questions or pattern support, the designer Claire Slade can be contacted at verilyknits@gmail.com.