Daylight Breaking

Daylight Breaking Shawl by Knifty Knittings

What is Being Made

Daylight Breaking is an asymmetrical knitted shawl designed by Destiny Meyer for Knifty Knittings. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 62 inches (157 cm) long by 28 inches (71 cm) wide, making it a versatile wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory. The shawl's asymmetrical construction and color-work design showcase hand-dyed yarns in a way that celebrates the natural beauty of the fibers themselves.

Techniques and Construction

Daylight Breaking employs fundamental knitting techniques accessible to beginners while creating a sophisticated finished piece. The shawl is constructed using a divided section method, organized into eight distinct sections that build upon one another. Strategic increases are placed along one side every other row, creating the asymmetrical silhouette and allowing the shawl to expand gradually as you work. This increase-based construction is a classic approach in shawl design that produces elegant, organic shaping without complex decreasing.

The pattern incorporates simple fading color changes between two complementary hand-dyed colorways. This technique allows knitters to transition smoothly between Color A (Sweater Weather) and Color B (Lavender Forever), creating visual interest and depth while remaining straightforward enough for beginner-level knitters to execute successfully.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch throughout the shawl, created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch is beginner-friendly and creates a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape for shawl applications
• Knit (k) – basic knit stitch worked as the foundation of garter stitch
• Knit 2 together through back loop (k2togtbl) – a decrease technique used to shape the shawl and control stitch counts within sections
• Cast on (CO) – the foundation row that begins the shawl construction

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Yarn Explorer Fibers Denali Sock, a 4-ply weight yarn composed of 80% superwash merino (SWM) and 20% nylon. This fiber blend provides durability, softness, and easy care. You will need 290 yards (265 meters) of Color A in Sweater Weather and 315 yards (288 meters) of Color B in Lavender Forever, totaling approximately 605 yards of yarn for the complete project.

Needles: A US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches is recommended, though you should adjust needle size as necessary to obtain proper gauge and ensure you have adequate yardage for the finished dimensions.

Notions: A tapestry needle is required for weaving in ends, and a locking stitch marker helps manage stitches during construction.

Gauge and Blocking

Obtaining correct gauge is essential for this pattern's success. Before blocking, the gauge should measure 23 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch. After blocking, the gauge shifts to 21 stitches and 32 rows over the same 4-inch measurement. This significant change in gauge after blocking demonstrates the importance of the finishing process—blocking opens up the garter stitch fabric and allows it to reach its full, intended dimensions. Knitters should adjust needle size if necessary to match the pre-blocking gauge, which ensures the shawl will reach the specified finished measurements once blocked.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner pattern, Daylight Breaking is accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. The reliance on garter stitch and straightforward color changes means you will not encounter complex stitch patterns or intricate shaping techniques. The main skills required are basic knitting, simple decreases, and color work transitions—all well within reach for someone beginning their knitting journey.