Roskilde

Roskilde Shawl by Karie Westermann

What Is Being Made

The Roskilde is a top-down knitted shawl designed by Karie Westermann. This elegant wrap measures approximately 53 cm by 134 cm (21 inches by 53 inches) when blocked, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is engineered to use approximately one full skein of yarn, with its modular construction allowing knitters to customize the pattern and utilize every available yard of their precious hand-dyed yarn.

Techniques Used

The Roskilde employs a top-down construction method, a popular technique in shawl design that begins at the neck or crown and expands outward. This approach offers several advantages: knitters can try on the shawl as they work, easily adjust the final size by adding or removing pattern repeats, and strategically end the pattern when yarn runs low. The modular nature of the design means that the structure is built in repeating units, giving experienced knitters the flexibility to modify sections and ensure complete yarn usage without waste.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The gauge specification references stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows. This classic stitch creates a smooth, uniform surface ideal for showcasing hand-dyed yarn colors and variations. The pattern is graded as advanced difficulty, indicating that it incorporates more complex stitch techniques, shaping methods, and pattern reading skills beyond beginner and intermediate levels. While exact gauge is noted as not crucial, the specified gauge is 20 stitches and 35 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) of blocked stocking stitch.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Roskilde is knitted using fingering weight or 4-ply yarn, a fine yarn category that creates delicate, detailed fabric. The pattern requires approximately 410 yards of yarn, with the sample shown using one 430-yard skein of Old Maiden Aunt Merino Superwash 4ply in a custom colorway (the nearest available colorway is Bitter Bug). Merino Superwash yarn is prized for its softness, elasticity, and easy-care properties.

Knitting is worked on a 4 mm (US size 6, UK size 8) circular needle measuring at least 60 cm (24 inches) long. Circular needles of this length accommodate the expanding stitch count as the shawl grows from the top-down construction, and they distribute weight evenly for comfortable knitting of larger projects.