Rivan Rectangular Shawl in SweetGeorgia Tough Love Sock & Party of Five Gradient Mini-Skein Sets - VOL6.4 - Downloadable PDF

Rivan Rectangular Shawl: Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Rivan is a rectangular stole designed by Emily Wood, featuring a bold and visually striking construction that showcases color and texture throughout. This intermediate-level knitting project measures 70 inches long by 13½ inches at its narrowest point and 16½ inches at its widest point, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is constructed using a modular triangle technique, where individual triangular units are joined together to create the final rectangular form.

Construction Technique and Design Features

The Rivan employs a modular construction method, with triangles joined together to build the shawl from component pieces. This approach allows for dynamic color play and visual interest as the pieces come together. The pattern incorporates a distinctive "zingy edge" that adds a playful finishing detail to the rectangular form. The modular technique also makes this project engaging for intermediate knitters, as it breaks the larger project into manageable sections while building complexity through the joining process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Rivan utilizes two primary stitch patterns throughout its construction:

• Garter Rib: A textured stitch pattern that creates visual depth and interest, with a gauge of 24 stitches and 40 rows equaling 4 inches after blocking
• Eyelet Stripes: A lacy stitch pattern that introduces openwork elements, also gauging 24 stitches and 40 rows to 4 inches after blocking

These complementary stitch patterns work together to create the "feast for the senses" described in the pattern, offering both solid and open textures that showcase yarn color and movement.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed to showcase SweetGeorgia Yarns' Party of Five gradient mini-skein sets in combination with SweetGeorgia Yarns Tough Love Sock yarn in Silver as the main color. The project requires 2 skeins of Tough Love Sock (approximately 425 yards per 4-ounce skein, or 388 meters per 115-gram skein). The Tough Love Sock yarn is a 3-ply weight yarn, providing excellent stitch definition and durability. Knitters will need a Size 4 US (3.5 mm) needle measuring at least 50 inches long to accommodate the width of the work, along with a yarn needle and stitch markers for construction. Needle size may be adjusted to achieve the correct gauge as needed.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 24 stitches and 40 rows equaling 4 inches in both Garter Rib and Eyelet Stripes after blocking. Additionally, approximately 32 rows along the long edge should measure 4 inches after blocking. Blocking is a critical finishing step that sets the stitches and helps the shawl achieve its intended dimensions and drape.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Rivan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore modular construction techniques and work with multiple stitch patterns. The combination of joining techniques, stitch pattern changes, and the length of the project provides an engaging challenge without requiring advanced expertise.