Above the Fold

Above the Fold Shawl by Carissa Browning

What Is Being Made

Above the Fold is a knitted shawl designed by Carissa Browning that creates a striking optical illusion through the strategic use of two matching gradient yarns. The pattern is engineered to make these two identical gradients appear as a single larger gradient that has been folded in half at the center point, producing a visually sophisticated effect that draws the eye across the finished piece.

Design Flexibility and Yarn Options

This pattern stands out for its exceptional adaptability to different yarn quantities and types. Knitters can choose from several yarn configurations depending on their desired finished size and available materials. The pattern accommodates two 50-gram gradient yarns (typically sold as matching sock yarn pairs), two full 100-gram gradient cakes, or even larger gradient skeins in the same colorway. The coordinating solid yarn component can also be adjusted to provide additional control over the final shawl dimensions. While the pattern is written primarily for fingering weight yarn, knitters have the option to work with different yarn weights, though this will noticeably impact the finished size of the completed shawl.

Size Options

• Small: 100g solid/tonal/speckle yarn (A) combined with two 50g gradient yarns (B)
• Medium: 100g solid/tonal/speckle yarn (A) combined with two 100g gradient yarns (B)
• Large: 200g solid/tonal/speckle yarn (A) combined with two 100g gradient yarns (B)

Techniques and Construction

Above the Fold employs knitting techniques specifically designed to showcase gradient yarns to their maximum visual advantage. The pattern is structured to work effectively regardless of the specific yardage of the gradient yarns selected, making it an ideal project for using up coordinating gradient pairs or experimenting with larger gradient cakes. The optical illusion effect is achieved through thoughtful pattern construction that positions the two matching gradients in a way that creates the impression of a single, larger gradient folded at its midpoint.

Yarn and Materials

The shawl is worked in fingering weight yarn, which creates a delicate, refined fabric suitable for a sophisticated accessory. Knitters will need solid, tonal, or speckled yarn in a coordinating color for the base of the shawl, combined with two matching gradient yarns in the same colorway. The specific yardage requirements vary by size, but the pattern's design allows for flexibility in yarn selection and quantity.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Above the Fold is suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to work beyond basic stitch patterns. The intermediate difficulty reflects the pattern's construction complexity and the skill required to effectively showcase the gradient yarns through the shawl's design.