Bradbury

Bradbury Shawl by Melissa Schaschwary

What Is Being Made

Bradbury is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Melissa Schaschwary. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished shawl available in two sizes, offering crafters a versatile accessory project suitable for those with some knitting experience.

Finished Measurements

Finished measurements are provided on page 2 of the pattern, with two size options available to accommodate different preferences and yarn quantities.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Bradbury shawl employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The pattern begins with a Long Tail Cast On, a classic method for creating a secure and elastic foundation edge. The shawl features garter stitch construction, created by knitting every row, which produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern incorporates yarn overs and decreases to shape the shawl and create stitch definition. Optional stitch markers are recommended to help track progress and maintain consistent stitch placement throughout the project.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and the following stitches:

• K (Knit) — the fundamental knit stitch
• P (Purl) — the reverse of the knit stitch
• Yo (Yarn Over) — creating decorative increases and lace elements
• K2tog (Knit Two Together) — a right-leaning decrease
• Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit) — a left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches knitwise and knitting them together through the back loop
• Sl1 (Slip One) — moving a stitch from one needle to another without working it
• Psso (Pass Slipped Stitch Over) — passing a slipped stitch over a worked stitch to create a decrease

Yarn and Materials

The Bradbury pattern calls for 1.5 to 2 skeins of yarn depending on size selection. The recommended yarn is Sunshine Yarns Luxury Sock, a fingering weight / 4 ply yarn that provides 355 yards (325 meters) per skein. This lightweight yarn weight creates a delicate, drapey finished shawl suitable for layering.

The pattern requires two sets of circular knitting needles: Size 5 (3.75mm) needles and Size 7 (4.5mm) needles in 36-inch or 48-inch lengths, depending on the size being worked. The larger needle size provides flexibility for working the increased stitch count as the shawl expands.

Additional notions include a darning needle for weaving in ends and optional waste yarn for provisional cast-on techniques if desired. Stitch markers (18 to 21 optional markers) help organize the work, with the pattern suggesting placement every 12 stitches or at intervals of the crafter's choosing.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the shawl drapes as intended.

Pattern Overview

The Bradbury shawl begins with a cast on of 217 or 259 stitches depending on size selection, worked using Size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles. The foundation is established with 6 rows of garter stitch, knitting every row to create a stable, textured edge. Crafters have the option to place stitch markers during this initial phase to aid in tracking stitches throughout the project.