Montbard

Montbard Shawl by Mathieu Arnold

What is Being Made

The Montbard is a long rectangular shawl designed by Mathieu Arnold, measuring 160 cm by 33 cm (63" by 13"). This versatile accessory can be worn as a traditional shawl, scarf, or wrap, offering multiple styling options for the finished garment. The design features two distinct textured stitch patterns that create visual interest and contrast throughout the piece.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Montbard shawl incorporates two different textured stitch patterns that serve distinct purposes in the overall design. The first pattern is engineered to emphasize and bring out the contrasting color yarn, while the second pattern highlights the main color yarn. This strategic use of complementary stitch patterns creates dynamic visual effects across the rectangular fabric.

The pattern includes garter stitch as a foundational element, used as the basis for gauge measurement and blocking. The combination of textured stitches with garter stitch provides structural integrity while maintaining the decorative qualities of the two-color design.

Yarn and Materials

The Montbard shawl is constructed using fingering weight merino wool, a premium natural fiber known for its softness and drape. The pattern requires:

• Main Color: 350 meters (380 yards)
• Contrasting Color: 350 meters (380 yards)
• US 5 / 3.75 mm needles for construction

The use of fingering weight yarn creates a refined, delicate fabric suitable for the shawl's elegant proportions.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches by 46 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in unblocked garter stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions. The pattern instructions emphasize reading all instructions and the abbreviations and techniques section before casting on, indicating that understanding proper blocking and finishing techniques is integral to the project's success.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Montbard shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with chart-based instructions and manage multiple stitch patterns. The rectangular construction and two-color work require attention to detail and familiarity with reading knitting charts and written instructions simultaneously.