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Donita is a thick, cozy triangle shawl with an allover diamond and ladder lace pattern, knit using the two-color brioche stitch. The deep colors and bright speckles combined in this shawl remind me so much of my early days of listening to riot grrl punk bands like L7, Lunachicks, The Gits, Babes in Toyland, and so many more. This shawl is named for the co-founder and lead singer of L7, Donita Sparks, the ultimate feminist punk rocker.

Skill Level: Intermediate. Basic brioche skills are not required, but are recommended. Techniques used: knit, purl, brioche knit (brk), brioche purl (brp), brioche increases and decreases, adding fun pom poms and fringe to complete the rock star look (optional).

Construction Notes: This symmetrical triangle shawl is knit from the bottom up, with increases along the edges. The shawl begins with a geometric diamond stitch pattern, which grows with the shawl. The diamond stitch pattern continues as the shawl grows, until the end where a simple loop border pattern is created. This shawl is so simple to modify by adding or omitting pattern repeats!

This pattern is both written and charted for your convenience!

Size: 65” / 165cm wingspan x 26” / 66cm depth, measured after blocking. Schematic included with pattern.

Yarn: 910 yds / 834 m DK or Light Worsted weight yarn
Main Color (MC): 435 yds / 400 m
Contrast Color (CC): 475 yds / 434 m

Shown in:
MC: 2 skeins Aya Fibers Chunky Merino Worsted Singles in Skating at the Pool (Speckled; 100% Merino wool; 219 yds / 200 m per 100g)
CC: 2 skeins Aya Fibers Merino DK in Woods (100% Organic Merino wool; 246 yds / 225 m per 100g)

Note about yarn: The Main Color yarn used for this pattern is a light worsted weight, and the Contrast Color yarn is a DK weight. Either weight will work for this shawl, and you could also marl all your fingering weight yarns together for a super fun look! Some of my test knitters did that, and the outcome was amazing. Please note that if you substitute yarns, the size of your shawl may vary. Knitting a gauge swatch beforehand can help ensure you will achieve the same size. Yardage does not include pom poms or fringe.

Needles: 32” or longer US 7 / 4.5mm circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge. Circular needles are used to accommodate large number of stitches and for brioche knitting.

Tools: tapestry needle, row counter, cable needle or locking stitch marker for use with decreasing sts, 12 stitch markers for noting pattern repeats (optional)

Gauge: 15 sts x 24 rows = 4” / 10cm; measured in even two-color brioche stitch (taken after blocking).

Thank you to Mara of Aya Fibers for her gorgeous yarn and support!! I also want to thank my amazing tech editor, Meaghan Schmaltz notsorryknitter, and all of my fabulous test knitters!! Without them, this pattern would not have been possible. Be sure to look at all of my test knitters’ projects for some serious color inspiration!