Cloudbreak

Cloudbreak Triangle Shawl by Melanie Berg

What is Being Made

Cloudbreak is a cozy triangle shawl designed by Melanie Berg, featuring a subtle rainbow motif that celebrates hope, joy, and love. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished shawl with a wingspan of 82.5 inches (210 cm) and a depth of 25.5 inches (65 cm), making it a generous wrap suitable for draping around the shoulders and neck. The design is inspired by the symbolism of rainbows as signs that storms have passed and brighter days are ahead.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Cloudbreak is worked flat from the upper right tip towards the left edge, following a straightforward construction method ideal for knitters of all skill levels. The pattern includes an optional technique for creating a stretchy upper edge: adding a yarn over after the very first stitch of each right-side row, then dropping it on the following row. This method ensures the shawl sits comfortably against the neck when worn.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques accessible to beginner knitters. The construction method of working from tip to edge suggests the use of basic increases and decreases to shape the triangular form, combined with the optional yarn over technique for edge refinement.

Yarn and Materials

Primary Yarn: Hudson + West Co. Weld, a rustic yarn with character composed of 70% Merino and 30% Corriedale wool. The sample uses Fawn as the main color (MC).

Yardage and Weight: The pattern requires approximately 936 yards (857 meters) of 4-ply weight yarn, with the sample using 234 grams from 5 skeins of the main color.

Accent Colors: The rainbow motif is created using 11 mini skeins in coordinating colors: Raven, Charcoal, Ash, Gold Leaf, Red Feather, Barn Red, Jam, Midnight, Lake, Juniper, and Evergreen (designated as CC 1-11). Less than 10 grams of yarn is used from each accent color, making this an excellent project for using up yarn scraps or sampling multiple colorways.

Needles and Tools: Specific needle size and type are not included in the provided pattern excerpt, though 4-ply yarn typically works with needles in the US 4-6 range depending on desired gauge and fabric characteristics.

Difficulty Level

Cloudbreak is rated as a beginner-friendly pattern, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to shawl construction or those seeking a straightforward project with beautiful results. The flat, tip-to-edge construction and simple stitch work allow beginners to focus on building confidence while creating a meaningful, wearable garment.