In music, a polyrhythm is the simultaneous use of multiple rhythms in one composition – two or more rhythms that are played at the same time, a technique most often used in Jazz!

With this design, I aimed to make a physical representation of this style, juxtaposing stripes with simple texture throughout the body of the shawl.

This shawl is knit in one continuous piece, requiring no seaming or picking up of stitches. It begins at one corner and ends at the opposite edge, incorporating an i-cord edge throughout the body and the bind off. This design uses intarsia colorwork, a technique that creates “blocks” of color while working flat – this design is meant as an introduction to this technique, using easy stitches so that even beginner knitters can feel confident in their work. While I recommend two different sizes for this shawl, its size is entirely customizable as the pattern uses an eight-row repeat to set the pattern, so that you can work the shawl to any desired size!

Here is a link to the project page for the sample.

Dimensions:

• Small: 60” across x 23” depth

• Large: 80” across x 36” depth

• Represented as “Small (Large)” throughout the pattern – but the size of this shawl is very customizable! It uses an eight-row repeat, which can be worked as many times as desired.

Needles:

• Size US 3/3.25 mm 40” circular knitting needles

Yarn:

• MC: 340 (640) yds / 310 (585) m fingering weight yarn (sample used Woolberry Fiber Co – Berry Merino, in colorway Summer Days)

• CC1: 170 (340) yds / 155 (310) m fingering weight yarn (sample used Woolberry Fiber Co – Berry Merino, in colorway Minas Tirith)

• CC2: 150 (300) yds / 137 (275) m lace weight yarn (preferably a fluffy mohair or Suri alpaca blend) (sample used Woolberry Fiber Co – Berry Suri, in colorway My Favorite Sweater)

• Note: The listed yardages DO NOT include the additional yardage required for three large tassels: up to 60 yds each of MC and CC1

Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle
Gauge: 25 sts x 38 rows = 4” x 4” stockinette stitch, worked flat

• Obtaining gauge is not critical for this pattern