Kalmer Triangle

Kalmer Triangle Knitted Shawl by Kourtney Robinson

What Is Being Made

The Kalmer Triangle is an advanced-level knitted shawl designed to showcase luxury yarns, particularly those that are highly variegated, limited in yardage, or both. This triangular shawl is worked from a cast-on edge and expands to a finished measurement of 80cm (32 inches) in length. The design is versatile and can be worked to any size, making it adaptable to different yarn quantities and weights while maintaining its elegant, balanced appearance.

Techniques and Construction

The Kalmer Triangle employs a linen stitch as its primary stitch pattern, which creates a firm, non-rolling fabric that lies completely flat. This technique is particularly valued for its structural integrity and refined appearance. The pattern uses a carefully thought-out bind-off method that contributes to a very balanced, knitted material with professional finishing. The shawl's construction is designed to work with any yarn weight and fiber type, demonstrating thoughtful pattern engineering that allows the yarn's characteristics to shine without compromising the shawl's drape and structure.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the linen stitch, worked over two rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): K1, *wyif sl1p, k1* to end of row (knit one, slip one purlwise with yarn in front, knit one, repeat to end)
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): P2, *wyib sl1p, p1* to 1 stitch before end of row, p1 (purl two, slip one purlwise with yarn in back, purl one, repeat to one stitch before end, purl one)

The pattern begins with an odd number of stitches (minimum of five) and repeats these two rows throughout the shawl construction. The combination of knit and purl stitches with strategic yarn-over slipped stitches creates the characteristic firm texture of the linen stitch.

Materials and Gauge

The Kalmer Triangle is shown worked in Hand Maiden's 4 Ply Cashmere, a 100% cashmere yarn in the colorway Dragonfly. This luxurious fiber requires 2 skeins, with each skein providing 170 meters (185 yards) per 50 grams (1.76 ounces). The project is worked on a 6.0mm (US 10) circular needle measuring 80 centimeters (32 inches) in length, with a darning needle needed for finishing.

Gauge is critical for this pattern: 16 stitches and 22 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch, or 22 stitches and 42 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in the linen stitch pattern. The linen stitch creates a denser fabric than stockinette, which is reflected in the tighter gauge measurement. Swatching in the linen stitch pattern is recommended to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Design Notes

This pattern, Version 2.1 from January 27, 2014, was presented by Dollybird Workshop and designed by Kourtney Robinson. The Kalmer Triangle's name is pronounced CALL-mer. The shawl's firm linen stitch fabric is so balanced and professional in appearance that it may be mistaken for woven fabric by those unfamiliar with advanced knitting techniques. The triangular shape and versatile construction make it an excellent project for knitters seeking to highlight special or limited-quantity yarns while developing advanced pattern-working skills.