Bezaan

Bezaan Knit Shawl by Susanne Visch

What is Being Made

Bezaan is a downloadable knitting pattern for a shawl designed by Susanne Visch. This intermediate-level project uses a 4-ply yarn weight and produces a finished shawl suitable for various occasions. The pattern is provided in PDF format for immediate download and use.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Bezaan shawl incorporates several essential knitting techniques that intermediate knitters will encounter:

• M1 increase: Accomplished by lifting the loop between the stitch just knit and the next stitch from the front with your left needle, then knitting into the back of the loop. This method creates an invisible increase commonly used in shawl construction.
• Yarn overs (yo): A fundamental lace-making technique that creates decorative holes and increases within the pattern.
• Purl stitches (p): Used alongside knit stitches to create texture and pattern definition.
• Purl two together (p2tog): A decrease technique that reduces stitch count while maintaining pattern integrity.
• Russian bind-off: A specialized finishing technique worked as follows: knit one stitch, then knit one additional stitch, slip both stitches from the right-hand needle back to the left-hand needle, and knit two together through the back loop. Repeat this sequence to the end. This method creates a secure, elastic edge ideal for shawl finishing.
• Marker placement and slipping: The pattern uses stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction sections, with markers slipped as directed throughout the knitting process.

Stitches and Pattern Elements

The shawl features a body pattern that forms the primary design element. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including knit (k), purl (p), yarn over (yo), and various decreases. Stitch markers are essential for tracking repeats and maintaining pattern accuracy throughout the project.

Materials Required

Yarn: The sample shawl was knit using 2 skeins of Zettl Treviso, a yarn blend of 75% wool and 25% nylon. Each skein provides 209 meters (229 yards) of yardage per 50 gram weight. Designers recommend substituting any solid or tonal fingering weight yarn of similar yardage and fiber characteristics for comparable results. The 4-ply yarn weight ensures drape and delicate stitch definition appropriate for shawl construction.

Needles and Tools: A circular needle in size 4 mm (US #6) measuring 80 centimeters (32 inches) in length is recommended for the sample shawl. Additional supplies include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern sections.

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge is not critical in this shawl design, making it an accessible project for knitters with varying tension. For reference, the sample shawl achieved a gauge of 18.5 stitches and 24 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) when measured over the body pattern after blocking. The pattern includes finished measurements and multiple size options to accommodate different preferences.

Difficulty Level

Bezaan is rated as an intermediate knitting project. Knitters should be comfortable with basic stitches, increases, decreases, and working with stitch markers before beginning. The use of specialized techniques such as the Russian bind-off and M1 increases makes this pattern suitable for those with some knitting experience who are ready to expand their technical skills.