Feldberg

Feldberg Knitted Shawl by Verena Cohrs

What Is Being Made

Feldberg is a customisable knitted shawl design created by independent designer Verena Cohrs. This one-size pattern produces a triangular shawl with a wingspan of 170 cm (67 inches) along the top edge and a depth of 84 cm (33 inches) at its deepest point, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a knitting project worked flat on circular needles, which provides the necessary length and flexibility for managing the increasing stitch count typical of shawl construction. The design employs a provisional cast-on technique, allowing for seamless finishing and the option to pick up stitches for additional embellishment or modification if desired.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The shawl features a main stitch pattern that is worked consistently throughout the garment. The pattern uses a main stitch pattern worked flat, with the gauge established at 22 stitches and 32 rows over a 10 by 10 centimetre (4 by 4 inch) swatch after blocking. This gauge measurement ensures proper drape and finished dimensions.

Techniques Used

• Provisional Cast-On: A temporary cast-on method that allows stitches to be picked up later, providing flexibility in finishing techniques
• Flat Knitting on Circular Needles: Working back and forth on circular needles rather than in the round, suitable for large shawl projects
• Blocking: The finished shawl benefits from blocking to achieve proper dimensions and stitch definition, with blocking tools recommended though optional

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Feldberg is designed to work with light fingering-weight yarn in both 3-ply and 4-ply weights. The pattern calls for 850 metres (930 yards) of yarn total. The sample shown uses Ovis Et Cetera Igneae, a luxury blend yarn composed of 60% wool, 20% silk, and 20% ramie, providing 425 metres (465 yards) per 100 grams. This fibre composition creates a shawl with excellent drape, subtle sheen from the silk content, and the breathability of ramie.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires two circular needles with cable lengths of at least 80 centimetres (32 inches) to accommodate the expanding stitch count. The main needle is 4 mm (US 6), while a smaller 3.5 mm (US 4) needle—approximately 1 to 2 sizes smaller—is used for the initial cast-on. Additional notions include a darning needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for pattern tracking, a tape measure for checking dimensions, and optionally a crochet hook for the provisional cast-on method.

Difficulty Level

Feldberg is rated as a beginner-friendly knitting project, making it accessible to those new to shawl construction. The straightforward stitch pattern and clear structure provide an excellent introduction to working with larger garment pieces and managing increasing stitches.

Design Credit

This pattern is a sustainable design by Verena Cohrs, published through The Wool Club. The design has been professionally tech-edited by Francesca Mueller to ensure accuracy and clarity for knitters of all levels.