Triangulate

Triangulate Shawl by Carissa Browning

What is Being Made

Triangulate is a downloadable knitting pattern for a triangular shawl designed by Carissa Browning. This shawl features a distinctive geometric construction that creates a modern, angular silhouette. The pattern is offered in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—allowing knitters to customize the finished dimensions to their preference. The shawl spans from 106 inches in the Small size up to 146 inches in the Large size, with varying center heights ranging from 17 to 21 inches depending on the size selected.

Techniques Used

Triangulate employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners while creating sophisticated visual results. The primary construction method uses a combination of slip rib pattern and garter stitch, two essential knitting stitches that work together to build the shawl's structure. The slip rib pattern creates a textured, elastic fabric that drapes beautifully, while garter stitch sections provide stability and definition to the triangular shape. The pattern incorporates color work through the use of a main variegated colorway paired with one to three coordinating solid colors, depending on the size being knitted. This color blocking technique adds visual interest and dimension to the finished piece without requiring complex colorwork skills. The shawl is worked flat on circular needles and requires blocking after completion to achieve the finished measurements and proper drape.

Stitches Used

• Slip stitch (sl): Stitches are slipped as if to purl, creating the textured slip rib pattern that forms much of the shawl's fabric
• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental knit stitch used throughout the pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog): A decrease stitch used to shape the triangular construction
• Garter stitch: Created by knitting every row, this stitch provides structural sections within the design

Materials and Tools

Triangulate is designed to be worked in fingering weight yarn, also known as 4-ply yarn, which creates a lightweight, delicate fabric ideal for shawlettes. The pattern calls for one main variegated colorway paired with 1 to 3 coordinating solid colors depending on the size. The yardage requirements vary by size: the Small size requires 350 yards each of main color and contrasting color; the Medium size needs 350 yards of main color, 375 yards of the first contrasting color, and 150 yards of a second contrasting color; the Large size requires 375 yards each of main color and two contrasting colors, plus 275 yards of a third contrasting color.

The pattern is shown worked in Amanda Hope Yarn Aussie Extra Fine Single, a 100% merino wool yarn that offers 437 yards per 100-gram skein. Merino wool provides excellent elasticity, softness, and breathability, making it an ideal choice for a shawl that will be worn close to the skin.

Essential tools include a US #4/3.5mm circular needle for working the shawl flat, a removeable stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and waste yarn, a stitch holder, or a spare needle for securing live stitches. The pattern also specifies blocking as a finishing step, which is essential for achieving the precise finished measurements and optimal drape.

Gauge Information

Proper gauge is critical for this pattern and is measured after blocking. The slip rib pattern should measure 22 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches when blocked, while garter stitch sections should measure 17 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches. Achieving the correct gauge ensures that the finished shawl matches the intended span and height measurements.