Brick Trick Shawl

Brick Trick Shawl by Janka Sipiczki

What is Being Made

The Brick Trick Shawl is a bias-knitted textured shawl designed by Janka Sipiczki as an accessible introduction to bias knitting techniques. This unisex shawl features a simple geometric brick-like pattern created through the strategic use of two contrasting yarn colors. With a wingspan of approximately 161 cm (63 inches) and a depth of 67 cm (26 inches), this shawl offers generous coverage while remaining lightweight and versatile enough for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

The Brick Trick Shawl employs bias knitting as its primary construction method, which creates a diagonal fabric that naturally stretches and drapes beautifully. This technique is combined with slipped stitch colorwork, a two-color knitting method that adds visual interest without the complexity of stranded colorwork. The bias construction makes this pattern particularly suitable for beginners seeking to expand their technical skills, while the straightforward approach also appeals to experienced knitters looking for a quick, satisfying project.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches accessible to beginner-level knitters:

• Knit stitch (k) – the basic foundation stitch
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches
• Slipped stitch with yarn in back (sl1 wyib) – creates the textured brick effect and allows color changes without traditional colorwork complexity
• Knit 1 front and back (k1fb) – used for increases
• Purl 1 front and back (p1fb) – alternative increase method

These stitches combine to create the distinctive geometric brick pattern that gives the shawl its name and visual appeal.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Brick Trick Shawl is designed for DK weight yarn, requiring a total of 230 grams distributed between two colors: 100g in color A and 130g in color B. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches by 30 rows over a 10 x 10 cm square when worked on 3.5 mm (US size 4) needles. Knitters should note that yarn quantities and needle sizes may vary if using different yarn weights or gauges than specified.

Construction requires one circular needle measuring at least 100 cm (40 inches) in length, which accommodates the expanding stitch count as the bias shawl grows. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and blocking pins and blocking mats to finish the completed shawl, ensuring proper shape and even distribution of the geometric pattern.

Difficulty Level

Classified as a beginner-level project, the Brick Trick Shawl introduces knitters to bias construction and slipped stitch techniques without overwhelming complexity. The straightforward stitch vocabulary and logical pattern progression make it an ideal stepping stone for knitters ready to move beyond basic projects while building confidence in their expanding skill set.