Lark Blanket in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino (FR) - RB002-00004-FRP - Downloadable PDF

Lark Blanket in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino – Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Lark is a beautifully crafted knitted shawl or blanket designed by Erika Knight and published by Rowan as pattern reference RB002-00004-FRP. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated beginner level, making it an accessible and rewarding project for knitters who are just building their confidence with shaping and stitch variety. The finished piece is generous in size, measuring 213 cm in wingspan and 88.5 cm at its deepest point, making it a truly impressive wrap or decorative throw.

What Is Being Made

The Lark is a large triangular shawl or blanket, worked from the top centre point outward using a combination of textural stitch patterns. The shaping is built in gradually through a series of increases, creating a graceful, flowing silhouette. The finished piece is photographed in the colourway Pickles 123, giving it a soft, natural aesthetic that suits the delicate yarn used.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino, a luxuriously soft 4-ply weight yarn, combining the gentle warmth of merino wool with the softness of cashmere. This yarn is ideal for lightweight, drapey accessories and blankets.
• Quantity: 14 x 50g balls are required to complete the project.
• Needles: A single pair of 3.5 mm (UK size 9 / US size 4) knitting needles is used throughout.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is important to ensure the finished shawl matches the stated dimensions. The pattern specifies two tension measurements, both worked on 3.5 mm needles:

• Garter stitch: 23 stitches and 44 rows to 10 cm
• Rib stitch: 28 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm

The difference in stitch count between the two stitch patterns reflects how rib fabric draws in more than garter stitch, which is an important consideration when blocking and finishing the piece.

Techniques Used

Despite its beginner rating, the Lark introduces knitters to several satisfying techniques that build core skills:

• Casting on from a small number of stitches: The shawl begins with just 2 stitches, and the shape is built entirely through increases, which is a classic method for constructing top-down triangular shawls.
• Increases: The pattern uses both knit-front-and-back (kfb) style increases (working into a stitch to make two stitches) and make-one (M1) increases, including make-one purl-wise for the purl sections. These are worked at specific intervals to shape the left edge and the body of the shawl.
• Twisted stitches: The pattern references m end torse (twisted knit stitches) and m env torse (twisted purl stitches), which are worked through the back loop. These add a subtle textural detail and help define the stitch pattern during the garter section.
• Selvedge or border stitches: A garter stitch selvedge (moss-style border) is maintained along the edges, giving the shawl a neat, stable finish.
• Stitch pattern transitions: The construction moves from a garter stitch section into a ribbed section, requiring the knitter to increase stitches at the transition point to accommodate the tighter gauge of the rib. This is a thoughtful design detail that ensures the fabric lies flat and the dimensions remain consistent.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (point de godron): Formed by knitting every row, garter stitch creates a squishy, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. It is one of the most beginner