Arietta

Arietta Sideways Shawl by Åsa Tricosa

What Is Being Made

Arietta is a lightweight, adaptable shawl designed as a versatile accessory that can be customized to any size. The designer describes it as "a little wisp of a thing," though the finished piece can range from a delicate small wrap to a more substantial larger shawl depending on yarn choice and desired dimensions. The smallest suggested size measures 150 cm x 38 cm (60" x 15"), while a larger version reaches 220 cm x 65 cm (90" x 26"). The shawl's impact transforms dramatically with color choice—bright orange transforms the design into a bold statement piece.

Construction and Techniques

Arietta is knitted sideways from end to end in a single continuous piece. This sideways construction method means the shawl grows horizontally across the width rather than from top to bottom, and the border and edging are integrated directly into the main knitting rather than applied separately. This approach offers significant practical advantages: the shawl easily adapts to larger or smaller sizes based on available yarn quantity, making it an excellent project for using yarn remnants. The pattern knits up quickly, particularly when worked in delicate lace or cobweb-weight yarns.

Stitches and Pattern Details

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the pattern excerpt provided, the design is worked in laceweight construction techniques appropriate for the yarn weights specified. The integrated border and edging suggest the use of decorative lace stitches and shaping techniques that create the finished edges as part of the main fabric rather than as a separate application.

Yarn and Materials

Recommended Yarns:

• For the smallest size: Posh Yarn Cecilia (cobweb weight, cashmere and silk blend; 1200 m per 100 g), requiring 0.2 skein (approximately 225 m / 250 yds), or Malabrigo Yarn Sock (4ply, merino wool; 402 m per 100 g), requiring 1 skein
• For the larger size: Jade Sapphire Lacy Lamb (2-ply, 100% wool; 754 m per 55 g), requiring 0.75 skein (approximately 550 m / 600 yds)
• Alternative options include Rowan Kidsilk Haze, Fyberspates Maria Lace, and Gossamer Web, or any cobweb, laceweight, or fingering and 4-ply weight yarn

Yarn Weight Categories: This pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights including cobweb, laceweight, 4-ply, and fingering weights, offering flexibility for fiber artists working with delicate, lightweight materials. The yardage requirements are modest, making Arietta ideal for using small yarn quantities or remnants from other projects.

Skill Level

Arietta is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. While the sideways construction and lace techniques require competent knitting skills and comfort with reading lace patterns, the straightforward end-to-end structure and adaptable sizing make it accessible to knitters with solid foundational experience.