Product Description
This is a companion pattern to the 4 ply/fingering version already published.
This side to side shawl is simple to knit with an effective pattern that starts as a natural Tiles motif on a muted brown background. At the centre of the shawl, the pattern changes to a Parquet pattern and then to a stripe. The stripes down the centre back enable the change in the colour focus and the following Parquet and Tiles patterns have their colours reversed with a brown motif on a natural background.
There are some changes to the pattern in this version. An i-cord edge replaces the rib borders and the increases are done using a make 1 stitch rather than a yarn over.
Counterchange is a term for a pattern whereby the colours of the motif and its ground are reversed in another part of the design to balance the elements. The Tiles pattern used here is from the Barbara G Walker book, Mosaic Knitting, published in 1997.
Counterchange Shawl DK by Lisa Featherstone
What is Being Made
The Counterchange Shawl DK is a luxurious mosaic knit shawl designed as a companion piece to a 4 ply/fingering weight version. This shawl features a sophisticated counterchange pattern—a design technique where the colours of the motif and its background are reversed in another part of the design, creating visual balance throughout the complete garment. The shawl is versatile enough to serve as a perfect accessory for cool summer evenings or as a wrap for cold winter nights.
Knitting Techniques Used
This shawl is constructed using mosaic knitting, a technique that creates intricate-looking colorwork patterns without the complexity of traditional stranded knitting. The shawl is worked from side to side, which provides a unique construction method that builds momentum as you progress. The design incorporates the Tiles pattern, sourced from Barbara G. Walker's authoritative reference book Mosaic Knitting (published in 1997). Despite its visually complex appearance, the pattern remains simple to execute. The colour focus shifts halfway through the project, and rows progressively get shorter toward the completion, creating a satisfying sense of forward progress.
Stitches and Stitch Techniques
The Counterchange Shawl DK employs mosaic knitting stitches, which utilize slipped stitches and colour changes to build the pattern. This approach creates the appearance of intricate colorwork while maintaining straightforward stitch execution, making it accessible for intermediate-level knitters despite its sophisticated visual result.
Materials
- Yarn Weight: DK weight yarn
- Yarn Composition: BFL (Blue-Faced Leicester) and silk blend, providing a soft, luxurious feel described as "squishy and snugly"
- Needles: Appropriate needles for DK weight yarn (specific needle size to be confirmed in the full pattern)
Difficulty Level
This shawl is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the mosaic knitting technique and counterchange pattern create a visually impressive result, the straightforward stitch work makes it accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more sophisticated design elements.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | DK | Light Worsted |
| Pages: | 12 |
| Designer: | LisaFeatherstone |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | Needle size is advisory - use those that provide a relaxed fabric. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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