Avril

Avril Knitting Pattern by Kelly G.

What is Being Made

Avril is an advanced-level knitted shawl designed by Kelly G. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 75 inches (190 cm) wide by 32 inches (81 cm) high, making it a substantial wrap-style accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece.

Craft and Primary Technique

This pattern is designed for knitting, the primary craft technique used throughout the project. The shawl construction utilizes fundamental knitting methods combined with more sophisticated stitch work appropriate for advanced-level knitters. The pattern requires understanding of directional stitching and shaping techniques to achieve the finished dimensions.

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

The Avril pattern employs a variety of essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette stitch — the primary stitch used in this pattern, created by alternating knit and purl rows to form a smooth, classic fabric
• Knit (k) — fundamental stitch creating the base fabric
• Purl (p) — reverse of the knit stitch, used to create texture and pattern variation
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) — a left-leaning decrease created by slipping 2 stitches knitwise, then knitting them together
• Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front (s1 pw wyif) — a specialized slip stitch technique worked consistently on both right side and wrong side rows
• Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (s1-k2tog-psso) — a double decrease that removes 2 stitches in one operation
• Cast on (CO) — the foundation row method for creating initial stitches
• Bind off (BO) — the finishing technique for securing stitches at pattern completion

Materials: Yarn and Tools

The Avril pattern specifies Illimani Santi yarn in a DK (double knit) weight, a medium-weight yarn ideal for creating fabric with good drape and definition. The yarn composition is 45% wool, 25% alpaca, 15% yak, and 15% silk, providing warmth, softness, and luxurious fiber qualities. The pattern requires 6 skeins of yarn in the colorway Primrose, totaling approximately 785 yards (718 meters).

Essential tools and notions for completing this project include:

• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in a 32-inch (80 cm) length — the needle size and length specified for achieving proper gauge and managing the shawl's width
• Stitch markers — used to denote pattern repeats and structural points throughout the knitting
• Embroidery needle — for finishing details and weaving in yarn ends

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches by 32 rows equaling 4 inches by 4 inches (10 cm by 10 cm) when worked in stockinette stitch and lightly blocked. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 75 inches wide by 32 inches high. Knitters should swatch before beginning and adjust needle size as needed to match the specified gauge.

Pattern Notes

The pattern includes repeat instructions indicated by brackets and asterisks, allowing knitters to work sections multiple times as directed. The abbreviations section provides comprehensive guidance on all stitches and techniques used throughout the pattern, with particular attention to the specialized slip stitch technique that appears consistently in both right side and wrong side rows.