Vinca Minor

Vinca Minor Triangular Shawlette by Brixton Purl

What is Being Made

Vinca Minor is a triangular shawlette designed by Therése Hedlund for Brixton Purl. Inspired by the delicate Vinca Minor flower, also known as Periwinkle, this knitted accessory combines botanical inspiration with geometric lace patterning. The finished shawlette measures approximately 150cm (59 inches) across the wingspan and 58cm (23 inches) in depth, making it an ideal spring layering piece that works as both a practical wrap and a decorative accessory.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced-level shawl is constructed using a top-down knitting method, a technique that begins at the apex and expands outward toward the edges. This approach allows knitters to try on the piece as it grows and adjust the final size by simply knitting to the desired wingspan before binding off. The shawlette features a geometric lace pattern that creates an open, airy fabric ideal for spring wear. The pattern is provided in both written instructions and charted format, offering flexibility for knitters who prefer either method. The spine stitch, which runs down the center of the triangular shape, is marked in bold throughout the pattern to help knitters maintain proper shaping and structure.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Vinca Minor pattern employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques essential for creating its geometric lace design:

• Knit stitch (k): The basic foundation stitch used throughout the fabric
• Purl stitch (p): Used to create texture and definition in the lace pattern
• Yarn overs (yo): These create the characteristic openwork and lace holes that define the geometric pattern
• Slip, slip, knit decrease (ssk): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping one stitch knitwise twice and then knitting the two slipped stitches together, reducing stitch count by one
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that combines two stitches into one
• Stocking stitch: The base fabric used for gauge measurement, created by alternating knit and purl rows

The pattern uses repeat sequences marked with parentheses in the written instructions and repeat boxes in the charted version. Knitters should note that while the repeat brackets in the written instructions may not visually match the repeat boxes in the chart, both methods produce identical results. Markers are placed at strategic points to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Vinca Minor shawlette is designed to be knitted with DyeNinja High Twist Merino yarn in Fingering weight, a 100% merino wool yarn that offers 365 meters (440 yards) per 100-gram ball. The pattern requires 300 to 360 meters of yarn total, meaning one skein of DyeNinja is sufficient to complete the project. Merino wool is prized for its softness, breathability, and elasticity, making it an excellent choice for lace shawls that benefit from blocking to open up the geometric pattern.

The pattern calls for 3.75mm (US size 5) needles, appropriate for working with fingering-weight yarn. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches per 10 centimeters when worked in stocking stitch and blocked, which helps ensure the finished shawlette reaches its intended dimensions. The pattern accommodates both 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights, offering flexibility for knitters who may wish to substitute yarns while maintaining appropriate gauge and finished size.