Pierrette

Pierrette Knit Shawlette by Corrina Ferguson

What is Being Made

Pierrette is a knit shawlette design created by independent designer Corrina Ferguson. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a triangular shawl measuring 74 inches wide and 18 inches deep when blocked, though the design can be adapted to equivalent yardages. The shawlette features a two-color construction using a main color and a contrasting color, making it an elegant accessory piece suitable for various occasions and skill levels.

Knitting Techniques

This shawlette employs a distinctive shaping method that differs from traditional shawl construction. Rather than working the standard four increases on every right side row, Pierrette features a specialized increase pattern of 10 increases worked over 4 rows—specifically 6 increases on the first row and 4 increases on the third row. This unconventional approach creates unique draping characteristics and is designed to be easy to track, particularly across the striped contrast color sections. The pattern incorporates removable stitch markers to help manage the increase placements throughout the project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which forms the foundation of the shawl's fabric. The pattern also incorporates knit front and back (kfb) increases to create the shaping. Edge stitches are worked in garter stitch (knit on both sides) to create finished edges, with knit stitches on right side rows and purl stitches on wrong side rows creating the stockinette body. The contrast color stripes are integrated throughout the construction to enhance the visual design while providing helpful stitch markers for tracking increases.

Materials and Tools

The Pierrette pattern calls for fingering weight yarn in a 4-ply construction. The sample was blocked using 2 skeins of main color and 1 skein of contrast color Claudia Handpainted yarn, with each skein containing 50 grams and 175 yards. Knitters should use Size 6 needles (4.0 mm) or larger than recommended for their specific yarn to encourage optimal drape in the finished shawlette. A gauge of 19 stitches and 32 rows to 4 inches is established in blocked stockinette stitch, though the design can be worked at any gauge. Additional supplies include removable stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking tools or wires and pins for finishing.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The unconventional increase pattern and two-color construction require attention to detail and familiarity with stitch markers and shaping methods, but the straightforward stockinette base and clear tracking system for increases make it accessible to advancing knitters.