Touched

Touched Shawl by Christiane Burkhard

What is Being Made

Touched is an advanced-level knitted shawl design that functions as a versatile layering piece—described as something between a traditional shawl and a cape. This garment is designed as a soft, comfortable wrap for the shoulders, making it an ideal gift or personal accessory. The pattern offers three finished bust measurements: 36 inches (size S), 42 inches (size M), and 48 inches (size L), allowing knitters to customize the piece to their preferred fit and coverage.

Techniques and Construction

This knitting pattern employs intermediate to advanced techniques suitable for experienced knitters. The construction utilizes stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The design incorporates cable work, requiring the use of a cable needle during construction. The pattern is worked in the round using a circular needle, which is a common technique for shawl construction that allows for seamless, continuous knitting and provides flexibility in shaping.

The designer specifically recommends using dk or light worsted weight yarn to achieve a slightly looser fabric that enhances drape and creates the soft, flowing aesthetic characteristic of a quality shoulder wrap. This yarn weight choice contributes to the garment's elegant movement and comfort against the body.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the foundation stitch creating the smooth, finished fabric surface
• Cable stitches – textured elements requiring cable needle manipulation for visual interest and dimension

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: The pattern requires 250 to 500 yards (229 to 457 meters) of dk or worsted weight yarn, depending on which size is being knitted. The designer used dk and light worsted weight yarn in their sample, noting that this choice produces a fabric with enhanced drape compared to heavier weights.

Needles and Notions:

• Circular needle US size 6 (4 mm), 32 inches in length, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge
• Cable needle for working cable stitches
• Two stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the shawl drapes properly. Knitters should swatch before beginning to verify their personal gauge with their chosen yarn and needles.

Pattern Details

Touched is described as a fast knit despite its advanced difficulty level, primarily because it is worked in dk and worsted weight yarns rather than fingering or sport weight. This makes it an accessible project for advanced knitters seeking a quicker completion time. The pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF document created by independent designer Christiane Burkhard and is intended for personal, non-commercial use only.