Exsanguine

Exsanguine Knitting Pattern by Carissa Browning

What is Being Made

Exsanguine is a knitted shawl designed by Carissa Browning. This one-size shawl features finished measurements of 48 inches in span with a center height of 19 inches, making it a substantial triangular or crescent-shaped accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several advanced shaping techniques to create its distinctive silhouette. The pattern begins with a small cast-on of just 3 stitches, then uses strategic increases and decreases to expand the shawl to its full dimensions. The construction involves rotating the work and picking up stitches along selvage edges, a technique that allows the shawl to grow organically from a minimal foundation.

The pattern incorporates multiple decrease methods to create textural interest and shaping. These decreases work together to control the rate of expansion and create the shawl's elegant drape.

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

The Exsanguine pattern utilizes the following key stitches and techniques:

• M1L (Make 1 Left): Insert the left needle from front to back under the strand between the next stitch and last stitch worked, then knit this stitch through the back loop
• M1R (Make 1 Right): Insert the left needle from back to front under the strand between the next stitch and last stitch worked, then knit this stitch through the back loop
• Sk2po (Slip, Knit 2 Together, Pass Over): Slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together, then pass the slipped stitch over
• Sssk (Slip, Slip, Slip, Knit 3 Together): Slip 1 stitch as if to knit three times, then knit 3 stitches together through the back loop
• Ssssk (Slip, Slip, Slip, Slip, Knit 4 Together): Slip 1 stitch as if to knit four times, then knit 4 stitches together through the back loop
• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit and purl rows

Materials and Specifications

The Exsanguine pattern calls for Vice Blurred Lines yarn, a premium blend of 80% merino and 20% nylon. This fiber combination provides both the softness and breathability of merino wool with added durability and elasticity from the nylon component. One skein of 457 meters (500 yards) per 150-gram ball in the color My Bloody Valentine is required to complete the project.

Knitting is worked on US #6/4mm needles, with a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rows equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends upon completion.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

This pattern uses 4-ply yarn weight, a medium-weight option that works up at a moderate pace while providing good stitch definition for the intricate decrease sequences. The intermediate difficulty level reflects the pattern's use of multiple decrease techniques and the construction method involving picked-up stitches and strategic rotations, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technical repertoire.