Twist Collective Greenwich Knitting Pattern

Twist Collective Greenwich by Sarah Shepherd

What Is Being Made

Greenwich is a knitted shawl designed with a generous wingspan of 70 ¾ inches (179.5 cm) and a length of 35 ½ inches (90 cm). This garment is constructed as a triangular or crescent-shaped wrap, beginning from the center back neck and expanding outward through strategic increases worked in rows.

Construction Method and Techniques

The shawl employs a distinctive construction method that begins with a Garter tab cast-on at the center back neck. The crafter knits 6 rows in garter stitch to establish the tab, then rotates the work 90 degrees and picks up stitches along the long edge. After a further 90-degree rotation, stitches are picked up along the cast-on edge, creating the foundation for the expanding body. This technique allows the shawl to grow organically from a small center point into a large, wearable wrap.

The pattern is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round, giving the crafter flexibility in managing stitch counts and pattern placement. Stitch markers are used strategically to denote pattern sections and maintain consistency throughout the construction.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

Greenwich incorporates multiple stitch techniques to create visual interest and structure:

• Garter stitch forms the foundational borders and selvedge edges, providing stability and a refined frame
• Yarn overs (yo) are used extensively to create lace increases that shape the shawl's expansion and add delicate openwork
• Stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) appears in sections between the lace patterns
• Chart A, a stitch pattern worked from a provided chart, is integrated into the design and repeated strategically throughout the piece, allowing for complex stitch patterns to be worked with visual guidance
• Striped colorwork is achieved by working alternating rows with different yarns, creating horizontal bands of color without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork

The pattern provides both written instructions and charted patterns, giving knitters the option to follow their preferred method of reading instructions.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Greenwich requires a carefully selected yarn palette that combines luxury fibers for drape and visual impact:

• 1 skein Valley Yarns Charlemont Hand Dyed by the Kangaroo Dyer in Professor Plum (A): 439 yards (401 meters) per 3 ½ ounce (100 gram) skein. Composition: 60% Fine Superwash Merino, 20% Mulberry Silk, 20% Polyamide. This yarn provides the primary color and structure.
• 2 skeins Valley Yarns Charlemont in #004 Mulberry (B): 439 yards (401 meters) per 3 ½ ounce (100 gram) skein. Same fiber content as yarn A (60% Fine Superwash Merino, 20% Mulberry Silk, 20% Polyamide), creating a coordinated striped effect.
• 1 ball Valley Yarns Southampton in #005 Cranberry (C): 230 yards (210 meters) per 1 ounce (25 gram) ball. Composition: 72% Kid Mohair, 28% Mulberry Silk. This delicate, fuzzy yarn is used sparingly for accent stripes, adding texture and visual contrast.

The combination of merino, silk, and polyamide in the primary yarns ensures excellent stitch definition, durability, and a fluid drape essential for a shawl. The inclusion of kid mohair in the accent yarn introduces an ethereal quality to the striped sections.

Needles: Size 5 US (3.75 mm) circular needle, 32 inches (80 cm) long. Circular needles are used for their ability to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands, even though the work is completed in rows rather than rounds. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Yarn Fiber Benefits

The fiber blend used in Greenwich offers multiple advantages for shawl knitting. Superwash Merino provides softness and elasticity, while Mulberry Silk adds lustrous sheen and helps the lace patterns catch light beautifully.