Breaking Leaves

Breaking Leaves Rectangular Entrelac Shawl by April Davis

What Is Being Made

Breaking Leaves is a rectangular knitted shawl designed by April Davis as a warm, cozy wrap ideal for autumn and dropping temperatures. The shawl features an entrelac construction—a geometric knitting technique that creates interlocking blocks—with decorative leaf motifs incorporated within each block. This design combines structural interest with thematic botanical elements, making it both a functional accessory and a visually engaging wearable.

Entrelac Technique and Construction

Entrelac is an advanced geometric knitting method that produces a distinctive woven appearance through the strategic arrangement of knitted blocks. Rather than working in traditional rows or rounds, entrelac involves creating small rectangular or square sections that interlock with one another, with each new block picked up from the edges of previously completed blocks. This technique creates a three-dimensional, almost woven texture that is both structurally sound and visually striking. The leaf motifs are integrated into the individual blocks, adding botanical detail to the geometric framework.

Stitches and Techniques Used

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the pattern description, entrelac shawls typically employ fundamental knitting stitches including knit and purl stitches to create the block structure and leaf details. The leaf motifs within each block likely utilize increases, decreases, and directional stitching to shape recognizable foliage forms. The rectangular shawl format suggests edge stitches and finishing techniques appropriate for creating clean, defined borders on a non-circular garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Weight: Aran weight yarn is specified for this project. Aran is a medium-heavy yarn weight that produces a warm, dense fabric ideal for wraps and cold-weather accessories. The heavier yarn weight contributes to the shawl's cozy drape and insulating properties, making it particularly suitable for autumn wear.

Color Inspiration: The designer chose yarn colors representing the gorgeous hues of autumn, reflecting the designer's personal connection to the season and the shawl's thematic focus on leaves and seasonal change.

Specific needle size and yardage requirements are not provided in the available pattern description; refer to the complete downloadable PDF for these specifications.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. The entrelac technique requires solid foundational knitting skills and comfort with picking up stitches, managing multiple active blocks, and understanding three-dimensional construction. Knitters should be confident with basic increases and decreases before attempting this project.

Design Inspiration

The shawl's name and conceptual foundation derive from a poignant moment in the film Parked, reflecting the designer's artistic approach to pattern creation. Breaking Leaves captures the imagery and emotional resonance of observing natural transformation, translating that inspiration into a wearable textile design.