Mettle

One of my goals for this year is to update my older patterns to include low vision versions. I’m happy to say that Mettle has now been updated to include two low vision versions: one with black text on white background and another with white text on black background.

You can take 25% off this pattern through 11:59 EST on Wednesday, April 28th by entering coupon code Mettle at checkout. Valid on both Payhip and Ravelry.

Note: The button below links directly to Ravelry.

Mettle is an elongated triangular shawl featuring several different but related textures. It is knit top-down from the center, beginning with a provisional garter tab cast on and is shaped by four increases every RS row and two increases every WS row. Because of its increased wingspan relative to its moderate depth, Mettle is easy to style in a variety of ways.

The stitch patterns are quite simple, which makes the shawl easy to customize if you prefer a different size.

Because the stitch patterns consist of repeats of 2-3 stitches, the pattern only includes written instructions. Stitch counts are given at the end of every section.

Sizes:
Width: 60 [72] inches / 152 [183] centimeters
Depth: 19.5 [24] inches / 50 [58.5] centimeters.

Yarn:
Color 1 (main): 308[460] yards (282[421] meters) of fingering weight yarn
Color 2 (contrast): 176 [230] yards (161 [210] meters) of fingering weight yarn

Sample A (small size) was knit with Malabrigo Yarn Sock in Persia (C1) and Lettuce (C2)

Sample B (large size) was knit with Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool Fine in Pansy (C1) and Denim (C2)

Choose a yarn with good stitch definition and drape.

Needles:
US6 / 4mm circular needles with at least a 40 in. / 102 cm long cord

Particularly if you choose a different weight yarn, be sure to choose a needle size that gives you a fabric you like.

Gauge:
22 sts and 32 rows = 4 in. / 10cm in broken rib stitch (blocked)

The slipped stitch pattern for gauge can be found on pg. 2 of the pattern.

Gauge is not critical, but be aware that your gauge will affect the final dimensions of your shawl. Swatching is still recommended if only to ensure that you are happy with the fabric you’re creating, especially if you choose a different yarn weight.

Notions:
2 stitch markers
2 cable needles
Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Waste yarn and crochet hook for provisional cast on
Pins or wires for blocking (optional)

Skills and Techniques:
Required skills: knit, purl, ktbl, yarn over, M1L, M1R, KFB, provisional cast on, garter tab cast on, cable cast on (or backwards loop – knitter’s choice!), and i-cord bind-off

Test knitters rated the difficulty as Advanced/Adventurous Beginner or Intermediate.

Files

1. Mettle_v1.2 has written instructions in standard sized font.
2. Mettle _ low vision _ v1 has black text on white background, 22-24 point font, sans serif font, no italics, and fully written directions.
3. Mettle _ low vision _ blackbackground _ v1 has white text on black background, 22-24 point font, sans serif font, no italics, and fully written directions.

Note: The button below links directly to Ravelry.

Mettle is also technically available on Lovecrafts, but that site does not allow designers to upload multiple PDF files for a single pattern. Because of this limitation, only the file with instructions in standard sized font is currently included on Lovecrafts.

If you make a Mettle shawl, please connect with me on Instagram! I love seeing people’s projects. You can find me there as @theknittinglinguist and can see other knitter’s projects using hashtags #MettleShawl and #LakeboundKnits