Stripe by Absence

Stripe by Absence Shawl by Boadicea Binnerts

What is Being Made

The Stripe by Absence is a minimalist shawl design created by independent designer Boadicea Binnerts under the boknits design label. This knitted wrap measures 60 cm by 180 cm (22" by 82") in its finished dimensions, making it a versatile rectangular shawl suitable for wearing as a traditional shawl, necktie, or even scaling up as a blanket. The design philosophy centers on creating visual interest through the absence of density rather than traditional color striping, resulting in a feather-light yet warm garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Stripe by Absence shawl is worked in 4-ply weight yarn, specifically using 3 skeins of Blossomfibers merino and mink blend fingering yarn or similar alternatives. The merino and mink fiber combination creates a supersoft, comfortable fabric with excellent drape. The pattern notes that this design is customizable to multiple yarn weights, ranging from laceweight to superchunky, allowing knitters to adapt the project to their preferred yarn specifications and desired finished dimensions.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for 3mm circular needles in a 32" length (the designer specifies using Addi Turbos brand needles) along with 8mm needles for bind-off work. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends. The use of circular needles accommodates the rectangular shawl construction and allows for comfortable handling of the growing fabric.

Gauge

The gauge for this pattern is 20 stitches by 25 rows over 4 inches or 10 centimeters when worked in the specified yarn on 3mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and the intended drape and translucence effects that define this design.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Stripe by Absence employs fundamental knitting techniques accessible to beginner-level knitters. The pattern utilizes the following core stitches and abbreviations:

• Knit (K) – the basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P) – the reverse of the knit stitch, used in combination with knits to create texture
• Yarn Over (YO) – wrapping yarn around the needle to create intentional eyelets and openwork, which contributes to the translucent striping effect
• Make One Left (M1L) – lifting the bar in the row below from the back and knitting into the front of the loop to create an invisible increase
• Make One Right (M1R) – lifting the bar in the row below twisted and knitting to create a right-leaning increase
• Ribbing (K1, P1) – alternating knit and purl stitches to create elastic, textured edging
• Cast On (CO) – the method for creating initial stitches on the needle
• Bind Off (BO) – the finishing technique for securing stitches and completing the garment

The strategic use of yarn overs creates the signature striping effect by adding translucence and reducing density in specific areas, distinguishing this design from traditional color-based striped shawls. The inclusion of make-one increases allows for shaping and customization of the shawl's dimensions.

Design Features and Customization

The Stripe by Absence shawl is designed with versatility and customization in mind. Knitters can adjust the finished measurements to suit different purposes—from a delicate necktie to a full blanket—by modifying yarn weight and needle size. The minimalist aesthetic appeals to knitters who prefer understated elegance and appreciate the interplay of light and shadow created by the translucent striping technique. The feather-light construction combined with the warmth provided by the merino and mink blend makes this shawl suitable for layering in various seasons.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to shawl construction. The fundamental stitches and techniques required are straightforward, though the concept of creating visual interest through translucence and density variation offers a sophisticated design outcome that appeals to knitters of all experience levels.