Alma's mini-ribbon

Alma's mini-ribbon Shawl by VERSACIKNITS

What is Being Made

Alma's mini-ribbon is a beginner-friendly knitted shawl featuring an asymmetric triangular design. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished shawl with a wingspan of 49 inches (124.5 cm) and a center depth of 12 inches (30.5 cm), making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Technique

The shawl is worked using an edge-to-edge construction method, meaning you knit from one edge of the shawl to the opposite edge rather than working in the traditional top-down or bottom-up approach. The distinctive asymmetric shape is created through strategic increases and decreases: increases are worked on both edges to build width, while decreases are worked on only one edge, which creates the angled, asymmetrical silhouette that gives this design its modern appeal.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern features garter stitch as the primary stitch structure, which creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern also includes an eyelet section, adding decorative openwork details that enhance the shawl's visual interest. Key abbreviations used include kfb (knit into the front and back of the next stitch), a fundamental increase technique that adds stitches while maintaining the fabric's integrity.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed for sport weight yarn, with the sample shown in Madelinetosh Pashmina, a luxury blend containing 75% merino wool, 15% silk, and 10% cashmere. The pattern requires approximately 1 skein of yarn (360 yards/329 meters per 115-gram skein). An optional decorative element is Monaghan Hand-Dyed Ribbon in 100% silk (approximately 5 yards/4.5 meters per bundle), which adds a luxurious ribbon accent to the finished piece.

Knitters can substitute with any fingering or light sport weight yarn totaling approximately 350 yards (320 meters), paired with about 5 yards (4.5 meters) of ribbon for the accent detail.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm), or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 48 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch, measured after blocking. While the pattern notes that exact gauge is not critical for this design, variations will alter both the yardage requirement and the final measurements of the finished shawl.

Skill Level

Classified as a beginner difficulty pattern, Alma's mini-ribbon is accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. The straightforward edge-to-edge technique and basic stitch vocabulary make this an ideal project for developing fundamental knitting skills while creating a sophisticated, wearable accessory.