Stratum shawl

Using two colours of fingering weight yarn worked in a repeating pattern of syncopated brioche stitches, this asymmetrical triangular shawl allows both main and contrast yarn to share the spotlight.

The alternating bands of colour in this shawl reminded me of rock layers, so I chose the name ‘stratum’, which means ‘a layer or a series of layers of rock in the ground’.

The pattern has both written instructions and charts. Detailed descriptions and a photo tutorial of the more unusual stitches are also included.

Although the pattern is written for fingering weight, other yarn weights could be substituted. The number of pattern repeats can be adjusted, allowing the shawl to be made as small or large as desired.

Materials:• Fingering weight yarn in two colours, MC and CC, approximately 400m (437yds) of each. • 4mm/US 6 circular needles with a 80cm/32” or longer cable. • Tapestry needle to weave in ends. • Stitch markers (optional).