Frenemy

Frenemy Shawl by Sarah Jordan

What Is Being Made

Frenemy is an advanced-level triangular shawl designed by Sarah Jordan, featuring dramatic color blocking through a combination of intarsia and short-row techniques. The finished shawl measures 56 inches along the top edge with a center depth of 15 inches at its widest point, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project that showcases an innovative approach to colorwork. Rather than managing multiple yarn strands simultaneously as traditional intarsia requires, Frenemy combines intarsia color shifts with short-row shaping to create bold, clean color transitions without the typical complexity of carrying unused yarn across the back of the work. This hybrid technique allows knitters to achieve dramatic visual impact while maintaining manageable tension and yarn management.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch – the primary stitch structure, worked flat to create a reversible, textured fabric
• Make One (M1) – used for increases that shape the triangular silhouette
• Wrap and Turn (W&T) – the short-row technique that creates the color-blocking effect and shaping without visible holes
• Intarsia color changes – strategic yarn joins that create distinct color sections

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The shawl is worked in fingering weight yarn, specifically Knit Picks Hawthorne™ Kettle and Multi Yarn (80% Superwash Fine Highland Wool, 20% Polyamide). Two colors are used: MC (Main Color) in Wisp and C1 (Contrast Color) in Irvington, with 1 hank of each color required (357 yards per 100g). Knitting is worked on US 6 (4mm) circular needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern is designed to 19 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in Garter Stitch when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The shawl uses locking stitch markers (optional) to track pattern sections, and blocking pins or wires are recommended to shape and set the finished piece.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated advanced, suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with intarsia techniques, short-row shaping, and managing color transitions. The pattern notes acknowledge that while intarsia can be frustrating, this design eliminates the typical struggle of managing extra strands by integrating short rows into the colorwork strategy.