Perseverance

Perseverance Shawl by Barbara Benson

What is Being Made

Perseverance is a knitted shawl design created by independent designer Barbara Benson. This downloadable PDF pattern offers an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with some experience in shawl construction. The design reflects a lengthy creative journey, with the concept and initial development spanning nearly two years before the final pattern was completed and made available.

Design Development and Inspiration

The Perseverance shawl carries a meaningful backstory rooted in the designer's personal experience. Barbara Benson began this project with a special and irreplaceable yarn, but encountered a significant setback when her entire knitting bag was accidentally placed in the wash during the early stages of knitting. Rather than abandon the design, the designer spent considerable time sourcing an alternative yarn that would authentically represent the original vision and feel appropriate for the pattern sample. This process involved multiple iterations and adjustments, ultimately resulting in a finished pattern that embodies resilience and determination—qualities reflected in the shawl's name.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches Used

The Perseverance pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques essential to shawl construction:

• Basic stitches: Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of the fabric
• Yarn overs (YO): Used to create decorative eyelet details and increase stitches for shaping
• Decreases: The pattern utilizes slip-stitch-based decreases including s1-k2tog-psso (slip one stitch knit-wise, knit the next two stitches together, and pass the slipped stitch over the resulting stitch) and ssk (slip two stitches knit-wise separately, return to left hand needle, and knit two together through the back loop) for refined shaping
• Slip stitches: s1-wyif (slip stitch with needle inserted purl-wise and yarn in front) is used for edge finishing and stitch manipulation
• Marker techniques: Place marker (pm), slip marker (sm), and remove marker (rm) instructions guide stitch pattern placement and repeats throughout the design
• Repeat sequences (rep): Pattern sections are repeated to build the shawl's structure and dimensions

Materials Required

The Perseverance shawl is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which provides a balanced fabric suitable for intermediate knitters. The pattern requires standard notions including a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing, and two stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping sections. Specific needle size information is included within the PDF pattern documentation.

Pattern Format and Accessibility

This pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use once purchased. The comprehensive abbreviation guide included in the pattern ensures that knitters can reference all stitch abbreviations and techniques throughout the project, supporting successful completion of this intermediate-level shawl design.