Monograph Shawl in Berroco Brina

Monograph Shawl by Åsa Buchta – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Monograph Shawl is an elegantly shaped knitted shawl designed by Åsa Buchta and published by Berroco. Rated as an intermediate skill level project, this pattern produces a wide, sweeping shawl with impressive finished dimensions of approximately 69½ inches (174 cm) wide and 20½ inches (51.5 cm) at the center point, making it a generously sized accessory suitable for wrapping around the shoulders or wearing as a statement piece. The size is noted as adjustable, giving knitters flexibility to customize the finished dimensions to their preference.

What Is Being Made

The Monograph Shawl falls into the category of shawls and wraps — one of knitting's most beloved accessory formats. Shawls of this style are typically worked from one end to the other or from a central spine outward, building width and depth as the knitting progresses. The generous width of nearly 70 inches allows the finished piece to drape beautifully across the back and over the arms, while the center depth of just over 20 inches ensures comfortable coverage without overwhelming the wearer. The adjustable sizing instruction means knitters can work more or fewer repeats to suit their yarn quantity or personal preference.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Brina, a yarn from Berroco that comes in 50-gram balls. The specific colorway used in the sample is #12804 Graphite, a sophisticated neutral shade that highlights the texture of the stitch pattern beautifully. A total of 4 balls are required to complete the shawl as shown. Berroco Brina is classified as an aran weight yarn, which sits in the medium-to-heavy range of yarn weights and knits up relatively quickly compared to lighter fingering or sport weight yarns often used for shawls. This weight choice gives the Monograph Shawl a cozy, substantial drape rather than a delicate, airy feel.

• Yarn: Berroco Brina, 50 g per ball
• Colorway shown: #12804 Graphite
• Amount needed: 4 balls
• Yarn weight: Aran

Needles and Notions

The pattern recommends knitting needles in size US 9 / 5.5 mm, though as with all knitting patterns, knitters are encouraged to use whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge. A tapestry needle is the only additional notion required, used for weaving in ends upon completion.

• Needle size: US 9 / 5.5 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge and Blocking

The stated gauge for the Monograph Shawl is 12 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Pattern Stitch. Importantly, this gauge is measured after blocking, which is a crucial detail for any knitter approaching this project. Blocking — the process of wetting or steaming a finished knitted piece and shaping it to its final dimensions — is especially significant for shawls, as it opens up stitch patterns, evens out the fabric, and allows the piece to reach its full intended size. Knitters are strongly advised to check gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Techniques and Stitches

The Monograph Shawl is worked in a defined Pattern Stitch that forms the primary texture of the fabric. While the full stitch breakdown is contained within the downloadable PDF, shawls of this construction type at the intermediate level commonly incorporate techniques such as:

• Increases and decreases to shape the shawl and create its tapered or crescent silhouette
• Textured stitch patterns that create visual interest across the body of the shawl
• Edge stitches to