Touchstone

Touchstone Shawl by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

Touchstone is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Brian Smith Designs. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a generous triangular shawl with a wingspan of 172 centimeters and a maximum width of 81 centimeters when blocked, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various styling options and occasions.

Craft and Construction Method

This project uses the knitting craft, worked on a 4mm circular needle measuring 120 centimeters in length. The shawl is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques combined with more advanced stitch manipulations appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern incorporates directional shaping and strategic increases to achieve the final triangular silhouette.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Touchstone shawl employs a variety of knitting stitches and techniques to create texture and structure:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the fabric
• Knit front and back (Kfb) increases are used for shaping
• Knit two stitches together through the back loops (K2togtbl) creates decreases
• Yarn forward (Yf) and yarn back (YB) movements create decorative eyelet details
• Slip stitches including Sl2 (slip two stitches purlwise), Sl1 wyib (slip one with yarn in back), and Sl1yof (slip with yarn over) add visual interest and help create clean edges
• Knit into the stitch below (K1B) technique adds textural depth
• Stocking stitch forms the primary fabric base

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for LITLG Fine Sock yarn, a 4-ply weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. Three coordinating skeins are required:

• 1 skein in shade Linen (A)
• 1 skein in shade Touchstone (B)
• 1 skein in shade Stellar (C)

The 4-ply weight creates a lightweight, elegant fabric ideal for shawl construction. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a blocking kit to achieve the finished measurements and even stitch definition.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows over 10 centimeters when measured in stocking stitch after blocking. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions. Blocking is a crucial finishing step for this project, as it sets the stitches, evens out the fabric, and allows the shawl to reach its full wingspan and width measurements.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern assumes knitters have solid foundational skills including casting on, basic increases and decreases, and familiarity with circular needle techniques. The combination of slip stitches, yarn overs, and stitch manipulations requires attention to detail and understanding of how these techniques interact to create the final fabric structure.