Cascade shawl 31

Cascade Shawl 31 by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

The Cascade Shawl 31 is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Brian Smith. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a triangular shawl with generous dimensions and a sophisticated color-blocking design featuring three complementary shades of sustainable yarn.

What is Being Made

This pattern produces a triangular shawl with a wingspan of 144 centimeters and a depth of 38 centimeters after blocking. The shawl features a garter stitch body constructed from a single cast-on stitch that increases progressively to create the characteristic triangular silhouette. The design incorporates three distinct yarn colors that are strategically used to create visual interest and depth in the finished garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Cascade Shawl 31 employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The shawl begins with a single-stitch cast-on and uses consistent row-by-row increases to achieve its triangular shape. Yarn-over increases and knit-front-and-back stitches are utilized throughout the construction to build width gradually. The pattern demonstrates proper stitch manipulation including slipping stitches purlwise and managing yarn position for clean edges. Finishing techniques include loose bind-off and strategic stitch pickup from the cast-on edge, which creates a refined edge detail.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in this shawl is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch provides excellent drape and texture suitable for shawl construction. The pattern incorporates the following specialized stitches:

• Yarn over (YO) – creates decorative eyelets and increases
• Knit front and back (Kfb) – increases one stitch by knitting into both the front and back loops of a single stitch
• Slip one stitch purlwise (SL1) – creates clean selvage edges
• Standard knit and purl stitches – the foundation of all knitted fabric

The shawl body requires 211 stitches at its widest point, achieved through 103 repetitions of increase rows that add two stitches per row.

Yarn and Materials

The Cascade Shawl 31 is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically using Cascade Eco+ hemp, a sustainable fiber choice. The pattern calls for three separate skeins in coordinating shades:

• Shade Tarnish (A) – 1 skein, 90 grams / 270 meters (primary color)
• Shade Blackberry (B) – 1 skein, 30 grams / 90 meters (secondary color)
• Shade Burnt Orange (C) – 1 skein, 20 grams / 60 meters (accent color)

The pattern requires 4.5mm (US size 7) circular needles measuring 120 centimeters in length. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a row counter for tracking progress through the 103 increase rows, and a blocking kit to achieve the finished measurements. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 19 rows over 10 centimeters in garter stitch.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate project, the Cascade Shawl 31 is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle larger projects with multiple color changes and consistent increase sequences. The straightforward garter stitch construction makes it accessible, while the scale and color-blocking elements provide an engaging challenge for developing crafters.