Sunbeam

Sunbeam Shawl by Milja Uimonen

What Is Being Made

Sunbeam is a downloadable knitting pattern for a triangular shawl designed by Milja Uimonen. This intermediate-level project is available in two finished sizes: Small, measuring 120 cm (47 inches) wide and 34 cm (13 inches) deep, and Large, measuring 150 cm (59 inches) wide and 46 cm (18 inches) deep. The shawl features a two-color construction, creating visual interest through color blocking in the finished piece.

Techniques Used

The Sunbeam shawl employs fundamental shawl construction techniques suitable for knitters with intermediate experience. The pattern utilizes directional increases to shape the triangular silhouette, requiring knitters to work increases strategically throughout the pattern to achieve the proper proportions. The two-color design involves working with two distinct yarn colors (Color A and Color B) to create contrast and visual definition in the finished shawl. Blocking after completion is recommended to achieve the stated gauge and optimal finished measurements, though the pattern notes that gauge variations will affect the final size.

Stitches Used

The Sunbeam pattern incorporates essential knitting stitches and techniques. The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic texture. Shaping is accomplished through paired decreases and increases: ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit 2 together) are used for decreasing, while m1L (make 1 left-leaning increase) and m1R (make 1 right-leaning increase) are employed for increasing. These directional increases and decreases are fundamental to creating the geometric shaping required for a well-proportioned triangular shawl. Stitch markers are used throughout to help track pattern repeats and shaping sections.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Sunbeam pattern calls for fingering weight yarn, which is a fine yarn weight that creates delicate, refined fabric. The Small size requires 200 meters (219 yards) each of Color A and Color B, while the Large size requires 400 meters (437 yards) of each color. The sample shawl shown in the pattern was knitted using Shibui Staccato, a luxury yarn blend composed of 65% Merino wool, 30% silk, and 5% nylon, with a yardage of 175 meters per 50 grams. The sample colors are Jackie (Color A) and Dijon (Color B).

Knitting is worked on a 4 mm (US size 6) circular needle measuring 80 centimeters (32 inches) in length. The circular needle format accommodates the increasing width of the shawl as it grows from the center point outward. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch after blocking. While the pattern notes that gauge is not crucial to the success of the project, variations in personal gauge will directly affect the finished dimensions of the completed shawl, making it larger or smaller than the stated measurements.