So as discussed in my previous post knitting actually involves a decent amount of math. It is how different shapes are created, how garment designers use one size item to design large or smaller items by gradinging and calculating using standard sizes. How you can take one size hat and use that formula to make the same hat smaller or larger.
In a shawl the math involved usually involves stitch counts, calculating yardage requirements and using different placements of increases, and decreases to create a shape.
The “tree” shawl is what I would call a combination shawl. It will use the simple increase on one size RS row to create an asymmetrical shape, but by using the short rows, that will form the “branches” the true shape will be closer to a crescent.
But to get a true product that matches my sketch, I must first calculate how each stitch pattern will interact section. In practical terms, if I was to produce and sell this pattern I need to make it simple enough to follow. And that means I personally do not want to have to chart over 300 rows of knitting. So I need to separated it into blocks and create a pattern that can be repeated X amount of times.
So I start with the cable I picked. It sits at 18 rows, but requires an additional 4 rows minimum after the last repeat.
Next the lace sections. I wanted a leaf shape. My problem as that many of the more detailed leaves require a higher row count. So I stayed with a vague leaf shape. It came in at 8 rows and has the possibility of finishing the repeat on row 4.
The third component is the leaf edging. I fell in love with an edging I found on Pinterest. It comes in at 36 rows.
So how are we going?
Start with the highest number.
36/18=2 this works. (Actually originally I thought the cable was 20 rows and it was going to cause issues, so I went to alter it and realised I had made a mistake)
Now for the lace section
36/4=9 again, I’m lucky, a whole number.
So each of these sections will work.
Now for the hard bit. To add in a “branch”. Because this uses short rows, it doesn’t actually need to work with the leaf edging row count. I just need to understand how big to make them in relation to the cable.
The question is do I make it a full cable repeat wide or half a repeat wide. I am actually leaning toward both. So there are long and short “branches”.
And now to swatch, or because I can’t resist most of the time, the quick trial. (I swatch for hats etc because gauge is so important for size and fit. However because shawls are fairly flexible in relation to gauge, I don’t actually bother. That is unless it involves complicated lace)
Wish me luck.
Maya Levitt Designs 