The Ember & Ash Asymmetrical Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Color-Blocked Wrap

Introduction

This unique asymmetrical shawl uses a slipped stitch mosaic technique to create a stunning gradient effect, blending warm ember tones with cool ash greys. Perfect for adding a touch of modern art to any outfit, this pattern is both a relaxing knit and a statement piece. The shawl is worked flat from the top down, increasing on one side to create an asymmetrical triangle. The mosaic pattern is created by slipping stitches with the yarn held in the back (wyib) on right side rows and in the front (wyif) on wrong side rows. Always slip stitches purlwise unless otherwise stated. The shawl is worked in two main color blocks: Block 1 (Ember dominant) and Block 2 (Ash dominant).

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors: Color A (Ember - a burnt orange/terracotta) - 350 yards; Color B (Ash - a heathered charcoal grey) - 350 yards. Sample used Malabrigo Rios in 'Piedras' and 'Gris'.
• Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) 32-inch circular needle (or size to obtain gauge)
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Mosaic Pattern (after blocking)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional), blocking pins and mats

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl: Slip stitch purlwise
• Wyib: With yarn in back
• Wyif: With yarn in front
• Yo: Yarn over
• K2tog: Knit two together
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side

Step-by-Step Instructions

Block 1 (Ember Dominant)

Row 1 (RS, Color A - Ember): CO 3 sts. K1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (5 sts)

Row 2 (WS, Color A): K1, p3, k1.

Row 3 (RS, Color A): K1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (8 sts)

Row 4 (WS, Color A): K1, p6, k1.

Row 5 (RS, Color A): K1, yo, k to last st, yo, k1. (10 sts)

Row 6 (WS, Color A): K1, p to last st, k1.

Begin Mosaic Pattern

Row 7 (RS, Color B - Ash): K1, yo, *k1, sl1 wyib* repeat from * to last 2 sts, k1, yo, k1. (12 sts)

Row 8 (WS, Color B): K1, *p1, sl1 wyif* repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1.

Row 9 (RS, Color A): K1, yo, *sl1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, sl1 wyib, yo, k1. (14 sts)

Row 10 (WS, Color A): K1, *sl1 wyif, p1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, sl1 wyif, k1.

Row 11 (RS, Color B): K1, yo, *k1, sl1 wyib* repeat from * to last 2 sts, k1, yo, k1. (16 sts)

Row 12 (WS, Color B): K1, *p1, sl1 wyif* repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1.

Row 13 (RS, Color A): K1, yo, *sl1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, sl1 wyib, yo, k1. (18 sts)

Row 14 (WS, Color A): K1, *sl1 wyif, p1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, sl1 wyif, k1.

Repeat Rows 7-14, working the mosaic pattern across the increasing number of stitches, until you have 50 sts on your needle, ending after a Row 14 (WS).

Block 2 (Ash Dominant)

Row 1 (RS, Color B - Ash): K1, yo, *k1, sl1 wyib* repeat from * to last 2 sts, k1, yo, k1. (52 sts)

Row 2 (WS, Color B): K1, *p1, sl1 wyif* repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1.

Row 3 (RS, Color A): K1, yo, *sl1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, sl1 wyib, yo, k1. (54 sts)

Row 4 (WS, Color A): K1, *sl1 wyif, p1* repeat from * to last 2 sts, sl1 wyif, k1.

Continue repeating Rows 1-4 of Block 2, working the mosaic pattern and increasing on every RS row, until you have 100 sts on your needle, ending after a WS row.

Edging

Row 1 (RS, Color A): K1, yo, *k2tog, yo* repeat from * to last 2 sts, k1, yo, k1. (102 sts)

Row 2 (WS, Color A): K1, p to last st, k1.

Row 3 (RS, Color A): Bind off loosely knitwise.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block the shawl to shape, pinning out the points to emphasize the asymmetry. Allow to dry completely.

Enjoy your stunning, modern Ember & Ash Shawl! This piece is designed to be a relaxing knit with a dramatic, architectural result. The mosaic slipped-stitch pattern creates a beautiful woven texture that blends the two colors seamlessly.