Gullywasher

Gullywasher Shawl by Carissa Browning

Project Overview

The Gullywasher is a downloadable knitting pattern for a triangular shawl designed by Carissa Browning. Inspired by the southern United States term for sudden, intense rainstorms, this intermediate-level shawl captures the visual drama of rain through strategic increases, decreases, and lace patterning. The finished shawl measures 94 inches in span with a point height of 20 inches, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Knitting Techniques

The Gullywasher employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive aesthetic. The shawl begins at the right-hand tip and grows outward through rapid increases created by yarnovers placed at the beginning and end of every row. This consistent increase method allows the shawl to expand quickly while maintaining structural integrity. A centered decrease on every right-side row creates intentional slanting in the garter stitch sections, adding directional movement and visual interest to the fabric.

The pattern incorporates sporadic eyelet rows worked within the garter stitch base, which serve both decorative and thematic purposes. These eyelets are designed to mimic raindrops falling and pooling, transitioning into a lacy wave pattern in the lower portion of the shawl. Once the shawl reaches its full width, the wave section begins to decrease while the garter stitch continues to develop. The pattern concludes when only two stitches remain in the lace portion, with all stitches bound off along the lower left edge.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (knit every row) for the primary fabric structure
• Yarnovers for increases and lace detail
• Decreases (centered on right-side rows) for shaping
• Eyelet rows for the raindrop and wave motif

Materials and Specifications

The Gullywasher is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, specifically calling for Uru.Yarn Speckled Singles in the colorway Undertow. This yarn is 100% merino fiber, offering softness and elasticity ideal for a lace-accented shawl. The pattern requires 2 skeins, providing 834 yards total (760 meters), which is sufficient yardage for the full 94-inch span. Knitters will need a US #5 (3.75mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches in length, along with a stitch marker to track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Gullywasher assumes knitters are comfortable with fundamental techniques including cast-on methods, basic increases and decreases, and reading knitting charts or written instructions. The combination of garter stitch simplicity with lace patterning and strategic shaping makes this an accessible project for knitters ready to move beyond beginner patterns while not requiring advanced techniques.