Twist Collective LAscenseur Wrap Knitting Pattern

l'Ascenseur Shawl by Sara Burch

What Is Being Made

L'Ascenseur is a knitted shawl and wrap inspired by the Art Deco elevator doors of the Chrysler building in New York City, which feature a classic lotus fan design. This finished piece measures 60 ½ inches (153.5 cm) wide at the bottom edge with a depth of 16 inches (40.5 cm), making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Method and Techniques

This shawl is worked from the bottom up in a seamless construction using worked flat techniques on circular needles. The design features stripes created through a two-color slipped stitch technique, where only one color is worked at a time and the stitch pattern is achieved by strategically slipping stitches rather than changing colors within rows. The shawl also incorporates cable elements as part of its charted pattern.

A key technical consideration is managing tension with slipped stitches. Crafters are advised not to pull the working yarn too tightly behind slipped stitches to prevent the stitches from pulling in excessively. Additionally, when changing colors at the right edge of the shawl, the first stitch of every row should be slipped purlwise with yarn in front, with the previous row's yarn moved to the back before picking up the new color loosely. Maintaining a relaxed tension at color changes is essential to keep the right edge stretchy and maintain the shawl's drape.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (primary stitch for the base fabric)
• Garter stitch (used in specific sections of the pattern)
• Slipped stitches (creates the striped color pattern and decorative edges)
• Cable stitches (incorporated into the charted design)

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Madelinetosh Twist Light, which contains 75% Merino and 25% Nylon, with 420 yards (384 meters) per skein. Two skeins are required: one in Blood Runs Cold (main color) and one in Tart (contrasting color).

Needles and Notions: A US Size 6 (4 mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100 cm) long is used, with needle size adjustable as needed to obtain correct gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers, a cable needle, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge

The pattern specifies multiple gauges depending on the stitch being measured: 24 stitches and 34 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch; 23 stitches and 44 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch; and 20 stitches and 40 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in the charted pattern when blocked and stretched.

Pattern Structure

The shawl is constructed by casting on 302 stitches using a stretchy cast-on method (such as Chinese Waitress or Long-tail) that results in a row of knit stitches. Nine stitch markers are placed to indicate the repeat of the charted pattern. The work proceeds through Row 157 of the chart, after which 162 stitches remain. The pattern is presented in full on page 5, with additional breakdowns available on pages 3, 4, and 5 for those who prefer to work from enlarged chart sections.

Finishing

After completing the charted rows, stitches are bound off using the main color with a stretchy bind-off method. Remaining ends are woven in, and the shawl is blocked to finished measurements with each fan carefully pinned out to enhance the Art Deco-inspired lotus fan design and ensure proper drape and shape.