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Every now and then I feel the need to get out of my comfort zone and shake things up a little. Sometimes it’s fun to something new and different and gain new experiences along the way. Branching Out is a shawl that encourages that little step outside of your comfort zone. The pattern starts out with the safety of a stretch of smooth stockinette, a familiar relaxing repetition of knit and purl stitches. But as you head into the border, things start to get interesting.

A row of yarnovers plant the seeds for twisting columns of cables that start to grow like sturdy trees. The pattern remains easy to work, still using just knit and purl stitches but with the occasional twirl of a cable stitch. Once you reach the edge of the border and start binding off, things start to get a little out of the ordinary. Between each column is a single stitch which is dropped and unravelled right back to that row of yarnovers, to reveal branches that connect the cables together. The end result is an eye-catching, lacy-but-not-lace shawl. So go on, be brave, branch out and drop some stitches and see what happens, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Video tutorials are provided for all of the stitches used, including the cable stitches and for working the dropped stitch bind off.

Stitches Used: Sl1 wyif, kyok, yo, knit, purl, 2/2 LC, k2tog

Sizes: One size

Measurements: The finished, blocked item has a wingspan of 63” (160cm) and a depth of 18.5” (47cm)

Materials

• 437yd / 400m, 3.5 oz / 100g 4 ply, sock or fingering weight yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Steni Vala yarn, 50% Superwash Merino / 50% Silk in the Shades of Emerald colourway
• US size 5 (3.75mm) 32” (80cm) circular needle
• A small cable needle (optional for the 2/2 LC cable stitch - a video tutorial is provided for working the stitch without a cable needle)
• A tapestry needle for weaving in the ends

Gauge: 22 stitches and 33 rows to 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking

This pattern has been professionally tech edited and test knitted prior to publication.

Pattern Testimonials

“Another wonderful pattern from Jem, well written with easy to follow instructions and links to video demonstrations for the different stitches and techniques used. The shawl is beautiful with a good combination of easy stocking stitch knitting and an interesting cable and dropped stitch border” - Angela

“The shawl is basic being mostly stockinette, but the border edging adds an elegance to the shawl. This is a great pattern for anyone looking to “branch out” and challenge themselves.” – Karen