Blawl

Blawl by Trisha Paetsch: Advanced Knit Shawl Pattern

What is Being Made

The Blawl is a large triangular shawl designed by Trisha Paetsch. The sample shown measures 45 inches along each side, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory. The finished shawl grows from a small cast-on to a generous size through strategic increases worked at regular intervals throughout the pattern.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced knitting project employs several intermediate to advanced techniques that create both structural integrity and visual interest:

• Judy's Magic Cast On: The pattern begins with this specialized cast-on method, which creates a seamless foundation by distributing 12 stitches evenly across two needles (6 stitches per needle). This technique is particularly valued for projects worked in the round from a small center point.
• Top-Down Construction: The shawl is worked from the center outward, allowing knitters to customize the final size by continuing to work until yarn is depleted or the desired dimensions are achieved.
• Striped Colorwork: The pattern incorporates color changes by alternating between a main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) after completing each two-round repeat, creating distinct horizontal stripes throughout the finished piece.
• Circular Knitting: The shawl is worked in the round using stitch markers to define key structural points, including corner increases and the start of round marker.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Blawl features a straightforward stitch pattern that relies on fundamental knitting techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the shawl, worked in stripes. Stockinette creates a smooth, classic fabric with distinct knit and purl sides.
• Yarn Overs (YO): Strategic yarn overs placed at marked intervals create the shaping increases that allow the triangular shawl to expand evenly. These yarn overs also introduce subtle lace-like details at the four corners of the shawl.
• Knit Stitches (K): The majority of the pattern consists of knit stitches worked in stockinette, with increases occurring every other round.

The pattern repeats two rounds continuously: Round 1 features yarn overs at designated markers to create increases, while Round 2 is worked as a simple knit round. This two-round repeat is then cycled through with color changes, alternating between main color and contrasting color after each complete two-round repeat.

Yarn and Materials

The Blawl is designed to be worked in fingering weight yarn, which is a lightweight yarn category ideal for creating delicate, draping shawls. The gauge is established at 16 stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches when worked in striped stockinette using fingering weight yarn. Knitters will need two colors of fingering weight yarn to achieve the striped effect shown in the sample.

The pattern requires two needles suitable for working in the round with the chosen yarn weight. Circular needles or double-pointed needles are appropriate for this construction method. Additionally, stitch markers are essential for tracking the four corner increase points and marking the start of each round.

Pattern Flexibility and Sizing

The Blawl offers flexibility in final dimensions. The sample shown measures 45 inches along each side, but knitters can customize the size by working until yarn is exhausted or until the piece reaches approximately 3 inches less than the desired finished size. To maintain proper shaping, the stitch count along each side (excluding corner stitches) must be a multiple of 26 plus 1 when stopping at a custom size. The pattern continues until the total stitch count reaches 528 stitches (comprising 4 corner stitches plus 131 stitches along each of the four sides) if working to the full sample dimensions.