Louisa Harding Brigitta Wrap Knitting Pattern

Louisa Harding Brigitta Knitted Shawl

Project Overview

Brigitta is a knitted shawl and wrap designed by Louisa Harding, featured in the Amitola collection from the Autumn/Winter 2016-2017 season. This garment is worked flat using the knitting technique and showcases a beautiful striped colorway created by alternating between two coordinating yarn shades.

Finished Dimensions

• Width at widest point: approximately 132 cm (52 inches)
• Length at longest point: approximately 63.5 cm (25 inches)

Knitting Techniques

Brigitta employs stripes as its primary design feature, created by alternating between two yarn colors throughout the construction. The shawl is worked flat, meaning it is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting techniques including:

• Yarn overs (yo) for creating eyelet details and decorative increases
• Knit stitches (K) and purl stitches (P) for texture variation
• Decreases using K2tog (knit 2 stitches together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) methods
• Make one (M1) increases for shaping
• Stitch markers to track pattern repeats and structural points

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The shawl is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (stocking stitch), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The pattern also incorporates an eyelet pattern, formed through strategic placement of yarn overs and decreases. These eyelet details add visual interest and a delicate, lacy quality to the finished piece. The combination of stockinette stitch and eyelet patterning creates a balanced design suitable for a versatile wrap.

Materials and Tools

Brigitta is knitted using Louisa Harding Amitola yarn, a 50-gram ball weight yarn. The pattern calls for two coordinating shades:

• Yarn A: 1 x 50g ball Amitola shade 132 Wendy
• Yarn B: 1 x 50g ball Amitola shade 134 Tinkerbell

The recommended needle size is a 4.5 mm (US 7) circular knitting needle. The pattern notes recommend using a circular needle due to the large number of stitches involved in the shawl construction, even though the piece is worked flat rather than in the round.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches by 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches), measured over stockinette stitch and eyelet pattern using the 4.5 mm circular needle. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions listed above.

Pattern Construction

The shawl begins with a small cast-on of 3 stitches and grows through strategic increases worked at regular intervals. The pattern uses stitch markers to define key structural points, including a central stitch and symmetrical increase zones on either side. Rows alternate between increase rows (marked with "inc") and regular pattern rows, allowing the shawl to expand gradually from the cast-on edge. The striping is achieved by working 14 rows in one yarn color before switching to the alternate shade, creating bold horizontal stripes throughout the piece. This methodical approach ensures even growth and balanced proportions across the finished wrap.