Stonefeather

Stonefeather Shawl by Carissa Browning

Project Overview

Stonefeather is a knitted shawl design created by independent designer Carissa Browning. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished shawl measuring 84 inches in length and 14 inches in width, making it an elegant accessory suitable for various occasions and styling options.

What Is Being Made

The Stonefeather shawl is a brioche-knit accessory featuring bi-color colorwork. The pattern showcases two distinct yarn colors worked together to create visual depth and sophistication. The finished dimensions of 84 inches long by 14 inches wide provide a versatile rectangular or wrap-style shawl that can be worn in multiple ways.

Techniques and Construction

This pattern centers on brioche knitting, a specialized technique that creates a distinctive textured fabric with excellent elasticity and visual interest. Bi-color brioche, the specific method used in Stonefeather, involves working each row in two passes—one pass with each color—which builds the characteristic brioche structure while incorporating color variation. The designer notes that while bi-color brioche may appear complex, it is fundamentally approachable for intermediate knitters. Carissa Browning recommends consulting Nancy Marchant's brioche tutorials for foundational technique guidance before beginning this project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout Stonefeather is brioche rib, which forms the foundation of the entire shawl. This stitch creates a reversible, textured fabric with excellent recovery and drape, making it ideal for shawl construction.

Materials and Yarn

Stonefeather requires fingering weight yarn in two colors, with approximately 430 yards (423 meters) of each color needed. The pattern specifies Leon Alexander Yarns Heir, a 100% merino yarn available in 430-yard/423-meter skeins per 100 grams. The two color options called for are:

• DC (Deadly Nightshade): 1 skein
• LC (Haunted): 1 skein

Additionally, the pattern offers an optional enhancement: Leon Alexander Yarns Heiress, a laceweight mohair blend (70% mohair, 30% silk) available in 460-yard/421-meter skeins per 50 grams. The optional Heiress color is Hemlock Root (1 skein), which can be held double with the LC color for added texture and luxury. This optional yarn addition allows crafters to customize the shawl's final appearance and drape.

Tools Required

Construction requires a US #4/3.5mm circular needle and a tapestry needle for finishing. The circular needle accommodates the brioche rib stitches comfortably while allowing for the two-pass row structure inherent to bi-color brioche.

Gauge

The pattern establishes a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in brioche rib after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 84 inches by 14 inches.

Difficulty Level

Stonefeather is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While brioche knitting requires understanding of specialized techniques beyond basic knit and purl stitches, the pattern is accessible to knitters with foundational skills and willingness to learn the brioche method. The designer's recommendation to reference established brioche tutorials makes this pattern approachable for intermediate-level crafters.