Fairwind Shawl

Two patterns for brioche shawls. The pattern includes detailed information on working brioche, and the first version is an ideal project for an adventurous beginner.

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This is my current favourite shawl shape: a less-deep, more wide, slightly asymmetrical triangle. It’s wider than many shawls, compared to its depth, making for extra ‘wrap-ability’ and warmth. The fabric hangs on the bias, and the linearity of the two-colour brioche adds visual interest.

The shape also easily accommodates different yarns and yardages. Using a needle you like for your yarn, you start with a small stitch count, and keep increasing until you’re out of yarn.

Version One (purple and cream) is a relaxing knit, suitable for knitters who are just getting their feet wet with brioche knitting. It uses syncopated brioche to reverse the patterning

Version Two (beige and cream) is bit more challenging, featuring a chevron pattern created with increases and decreases.

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Samples as shown use 2 skeins Long Island Yarn and Farm Sportweight (50% US alpaca, 30% merino, 20% silk; approx. 185 m/200 yds per 99 gm/3.5 oz skein); sample of Version One uses one skein Nightshade and one skein Bellflower; sample of Version Two uses one skein Denim and one skein White Picket Fence.

5mm/US #8 circular needle – recommend 24 inch/80 cm or 32 inch/100 cm long; a needle with a sharper tip is recommended

You can substitute other yarn - the pattern includes details on making substitutions, including suggested yardages.