Intermezzi Shawl

Intermezzi Shawl by Leah Prestamo

What is Being Made

The Intermezzi Shawl is a large, elegant knitted wrap designed by Leah Prestamo. This intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a generous rectangular shawl measuring 29 inches by 86 inches (74 by 218 centimeters), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering, draping, or wearing as a traditional shawl. The finished piece is pictured in Valley Yarns Deerfield in the Sea Spray colorway, showcasing the pattern's sophisticated aesthetic.

Yarn and Materials

This project requires 1600 yards (1463 meters) of DK weight yarn. The pictured example uses Valley Yarns Deerfield, which is composed of 80% alpaca and 20% silk, offering a luxurious blend that provides both softness and subtle sheen. The yarn has a yardage of 109 yards per 1.76 ounces (50 grams), making it ideal for creating garments with excellent drape and fluid movement.

Additional materials include US Size 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles—a circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) or longer is recommended to accommodate the large number of stitches as the shawl grows. One stitch marker is needed for pattern tracking, along with a cable needle for cable work. The pattern also calls for 10 size 40L buttons (measuring 1 inch or 2.5 centimeters) for functional or decorative closures, plus a sewing needle and thread for attaching buttons.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches by 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in the Acorn Stitch and blocked. While gauge is noted as not critical for this project, variations in gauge may affect the final dimensions and button sizing, so adjustments to needle size may be necessary if your gauge differs significantly from the listed specification.

Stitches and Techniques

The Intermezzi Shawl features the Acorn Stitch as its primary stitch pattern, worked over multiples of 6 stitches. This stitch creates a textured, visually interesting fabric through the combination of yarn overs, centered double decreases (cdd), knit stitches, and purl stitches arranged in a repeating sequence.

• Yarn Over (Yo): Creates decorative eyelets and lace elements throughout the fabric, contributing to the shawl's elegant appearance and light drape.
• Centered Double Decrease (Cdd): A decrease technique that removes two stitches while maintaining a centered, balanced look in the fabric.
• Knit and Purl Stitches: Form the foundation of the Acorn Stitch pattern, creating textural contrast between raised and recessed areas.
• Cable Work: The pattern includes cable techniques, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted, dimensional stitch patterns.

The Acorn Stitch is worked in alternating rows: Row 1 establishes the pattern with yarn overs and decreases combined with knit stitches; Rows 2, 3, and 4 build texture with purl and knit combinations; Row 5 shifts the pattern repeat; and Rows 6 and 7 continue the textured sequence. This rhythmic pattern repeat creates the distinctive visual character of the finished shawl.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Intermezzi Shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns, cable techniques, and larger projects. The combination of yarn overs, decreases, and cable work requires attention to pattern reading and stitch manipulation, making it an engaging project for advancing knitters.