Purple fade

Purple Fade Knitted Shawl by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

The Purple Fade is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Brian Smith Designs, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This elegant wrap features a sophisticated color gradient created using John Arbon Knit by Numbers 4ply yarn in multiple coordinated mini skeins, resulting in a stunning fade effect across the finished piece.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a large triangular shawl with generous wingspan and depth measurements. The finished shawl measures 184 centimeters across the wingspan and 66 centimeters at its widest point when blocked, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory. The design employs a construction method that begins with a small cast-on and expands outward through strategic increases.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Purple Fade shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its structure and visual impact:

• Two-Strand Knitting: The pattern requires holding two strands of yarn together throughout, which creates fabric depth and allows the color gradient to blend smoothly across the shawl
• Directional Construction: The shawl begins with a small rectangular section that is then turned 90 degrees, with stitches picked up along the edges to establish the foundation for the expanding triangular shape
• Marker-Based Shaping: Multiple stitch markers are placed to track increase points and maintain symmetry as the shawl expands
• Strategic Increases: The pattern uses multiple increase methods positioned at marked intervals to create the gradual expansion from the center outward

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in a structured sequence:

• Knit (K): The primary stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl (P): Used strategically to create textural variation and definition
• Yarn Over (Yo): Creates decorative eyelets and contributes to the shawl's lacy aesthetic
• Make One (M1): An invisible increase method used at marked positions to expand the shawl symmetrically
• Knit Front and Back (Kfb): An alternative increase technique that creates a visible stitch
• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch pattern, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, providing a smooth, classic fabric base

Materials and Gauge

The Purple Fade requires specific materials to achieve the intended finished dimensions and color effect:

• Yarn: John Arbon Knit by Numbers 4ply mini skeins in a carefully selected color progression: three skeins of color 30, one skein each of colors 29 and 28, two skeins each of colors 27 and 26, and one skein of color 25. The 4ply weight provides excellent stitch definition and drape
• Needles: 5.5mm circular needles measuring 100 centimeters in length, which accommodate the expanding stitch count as the shawl grows
• Notions: Eight stitch markers for tracking increase positions and shaping points, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a blocking kit for finishing
• Gauge: 14 stitches and 22 rows per 10 centimeters measured over stocking stitch while holding two strands of yarn together. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements

Construction Details

The pattern begins with a small foundation section created by casting on 3 stitches and knitting 11 rows, establishing a rectangular base. The work is then rotated 90 degrees, and stitches are picked up along the edges to create 11 stitches total. From this foundation, the shawl expands through carefully positioned increases on right-side rows, with yarn overs and make-one increases placed symmetrically around marked center stitches. The wrong-side rows maintain the stocking stitch pattern while purling between markers, creating definition in the shaping. This methodical approach ensures even expansion and balanced proportions throughout the garment.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Purple Fade shawl requires competency with basic knitting stitches, comfort