Anteal

Anteal Knit Shawl by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

The Anteal is an intermediate-level knit shawl designed by Brian Smith Designs. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a generous triangular shawl featuring a sophisticated braid stitch pattern with reverse stockinette detailing. The finished shawl measures an impressive 74 inches across the wingspan with a depth of 23 inches at the widest point, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or wrapping.

Craft and Techniques

This project is worked entirely in knitting using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and easy stitch management across the width of the growing shawl. The pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that add visual interest and structural integrity to the finished piece.

The primary stitch pattern used is a braid stitch pattern combined with reverse stockinette, which creates textural contrast and dimension. The pattern incorporates twisted stitches—both right twists (RT) and left twists (LT)—which are created by working into two stitches in a specific order without dropping them from the needle before completing the second stitch. These twisted stitches form the braided elements that give the shawl its distinctive appearance.

Additional shaping techniques include yarn overs (YO) for lace elements and strategic increases using make-one stitches (M1R and M1L), which allow the shawl to expand gradually from a narrow starting point to its full wingspan. Stitch markers (PM and SLM) are used throughout to help track pattern repeats and structural sections.

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: Eden Cottage Yarns Oakworth DK in the Steel colorway. The pattern calls for approximately 275 to 550 yards total, requiring 3 skeins of 100g each.

Needles: One 4.5mm circular needle measuring 100cm in length, which provides ample space for the shawl's width as it grows.

Additional Notions: 2 stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a blocking kit for finishing.

Gauge: 4 stitches and 7 rows per 1 inch when measured over the pattern stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Stitches and Abbreviations

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• PM: Place marker
• SLM: Slip marker
• YO: Yarn over (creates a decorative eyelet or lace element)
• RT (Right Twist): Knit two stitches together without dropping them from the left needle, then insert the right needle between the two stitches just worked and knit the first stitch again before slipping both stitches off
• LT (Left Twist): Knit into the back of the second stitch, then into the front of the first stitch, then slip both stitches from the left needle together
• M1R: Make one right (a right-leaning increase)
• M1L: Make one left (a left-leaning increase)

Pattern Notes

The pattern includes a printer-friendly version option; knitters can select to print only pages 2 and 3 from the print setup menu if desired. Blocking is an important finishing step for this shawl, as it sets the stitch definition and helps the shawl achieve its full wingspan and elegant drape.