Chimaira

Chimaira Knit Shawl by Melanie Berg

What Is Being Made

Chimaira is a lightweight, asymmetrical knit shawl designed by Melanie Berg. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a beautifully draped accessory that showcases striking colorplay through the strategic use of short rows. The shawl is worked from the center of the top edge outward, resulting in a unique silhouette with an off-centered spine and eye-catching visual interest.

Knitting Techniques

The Chimaira pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance. Short rows form the foundation of the design, creating the asymmetrical shaping and colorplay that makes this shawl visually striking. The construction method involves working outward from a central starting point, which allows for controlled shaping and color transitions throughout the piece.

Increases are worked at the beginning and end of each row, as well as strategically around the off-centered spine, allowing the shawl to expand gradually from the center outward. This systematic increase pattern ensures even growth and proper drape across the finished garment.

Stitches Used

• k (knit): The fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern
• kfb (knit into front and back of stitch): An increase stitch that creates one additional stitch from a single stitch
• k2tog (knit two stitches together): A decrease stitch that combines two stitches into one

Materials

Yarn: The pattern calls for Wisp by Dream in Color, a luxurious lace-weight yarn composed of 50% Merino wool and 50% silk. This fiber blend provides an amazingly silky and soft texture with beautiful drape and subtle sheen, making it an ideal choice for the Chimaira shawl. Three coordinating colors are used:

• Gold Experience (color A): 1 skein (35g used for sample)
• Tea Party (color B): 1 skein (29g used for sample)
• Tokyo Cream (color C): 1 skein (7g used for sample)

The yarn provides 550 yards per 57 grams, offering ample yardage for this lace-weight project.

Needles: One 40-inch (100cm) circular needle is required to accommodate the shawl's expanding width as it is worked outward from the center.

Notions: The pattern requires stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases. One standard stitch marker is essential, with an optional removable stitch marker for additional pattern tracking if desired.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Chimaira pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more advanced shaping techniques. The combination of short-row shaping, multiple color changes, and off-centered increases requires attention to detail and familiarity with these intermediate techniques.