Kramar

Kramar Shawl by Therése Hedlund

What is Being Made

Kramar is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Therése Hedlund and published by Brixton Purl. The name "Kramar" means "hugs" in Swedish, and this woolly wrap is conceived as a comforting embrace—whether knitted for personal wear or gifted to someone special. The shawl features a generous wingspan of 218 cm (86 inches) with a depth of 64 cm (25¼ inches), making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Design Concept

The shawl is intentionally knitted using two complementary yarns that work together like two people hugging. This two-yarn construction creates visual and textural interest while maintaining cohesive design throughout the piece. The combination of different yarn characteristics produces a balanced, sophisticated finished garment.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This intermediate knitting project employs several essential shawl-knitting techniques:

• Decreases: The pattern uses multiple decrease methods including k2tog (knit two stitches together), ssk (slip, slip, knit), sl1kpsso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over), and sl2k1psso (slip two stitches together as if to knit, knit one, pass slipped stitches over) to shape the shawl and create stitch definition
• Slip stitches: Sl3wyif (slip 3 stitches purlwise with yarn in front) is used for edge work and decorative elements
• Basic stitches: Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the stitch pattern
• Stitch markers: Used to track pattern repeats and shaping sections

Materials and Gauge

Yarn specifications: The shawl is knitted in two distinct yarns. Yarn A is Handdyed Berlin Merino Singles at 366 meters per 100 grams, providing a fine merino base. Yarn B is Spectrum Fibre Mohair at 420 meters per 100 grams, adding softness and drape. Both are 4-ply weight yarns, allowing for detailed stitch definition while maintaining the lofty, huggable quality appropriate to the design concept.

Needles: The pattern calls for 3.75 mm (US5) circular needles measuring 80–100 cm in length, or needles adjusted to achieve proper gauge. Knitters may optionally use an extra needle for the cast-on method and scrap yarn for provisional cast-on techniques.

Gauge: The blocked gauge is approximately 21 stitches per 10 cm, which is typical for 4-ply yarn worked at this needle size. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the specified finished dimensions.

Pattern Notes

The pattern includes a complete abbreviations key for all techniques employed, making it accessible to intermediate knitters familiar with standard shawl construction. The use of circular needles accommodates the large stitch count required for the generous wingspan, and the provisional cast-on option suggests the shawl may feature a decorative bind-off or grafted edge.