Aviendha

Aviendha Knitted Shawl by Melanie Berg

Project Overview

Aviendha is an asymmetrical, two-colored knitted shawl designed by Melanie Berg as an intermediate-level project perfect for knitters looking to explore creative color combinations. This downloadable PDF pattern offers flexibility in yarn color selection, allowing crafters to work with bold new pairings or cherished favorite hues to create a striking, eye-catching finished piece.

What Is Being Made

The Aviendha shawl is a top-down knitted design featuring an asymmetrical silhouette with two distinct color sections. The finished shawl measures 65 inches (165 centimeters) along the top edge wingspan with a 20-inch (50 centimeter) depth at center, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or wrapping.

Construction Method and Techniques

This shawl is worked from the top down using a systematic decrease method that shapes the asymmetrical form. The pattern employs decreases in every row to create the tapered silhouette, with color changes introduced on right side rows only. This structured approach allows the two colors to integrate seamlessly while maintaining the shawl's distinctive asymmetrical profile.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Garter stitch – The entire shawl is worked in garter stitch, created by knitting every row, which produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges
• Knit (k) – The primary stitch throughout, worked on all stitches except the first stitch of each row
• Purl (p) – Used only for the first stitch in every row to create a finished edge
• Knit two together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used in two variations: dec 1 (p1, k2tog, k to end) and dec 2 (p1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1) to shape the asymmetrical form

Yarn and Materials

The Aviendha pattern calls for laceweight yarn in two colors. Color A requires 80 grams, while Color B requires 50 grams. Suggested yarn options include Zitron Filigran, Tosh Lace, or Shibui Cima – all premium laceweight options that showcase stitch definition beautifully. The pattern specifies 3.5 millimeter (US size 4) circular needles measuring 40 inches (100 centimeters) in length, with the final gauge set at 23 stitches by 46 rows over a 4-inch square in garter stitch.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, Aviendha requires familiarity with basic knitting techniques including working in the round on circular needles, executing decreases, and managing color changes. The straightforward garter stitch construction and consistent decrease pattern make it accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle a larger, shaped project.