Gnejs shawl is a simple and fun knit that gives you a result that stands out (literally). “Gnejs” is the Swedish name of a bedrock (gneiss in English) which is often striped in a beautiful way. This pattern was my attempt to interpret these soft striped and loved rocks into knitting in some way. The result is a shawl knitted sideways with a texture of bubbles, giving it a striped ground stone feeling. It is slightly asymmetrical. The other side of the bubbles (backside) also creates an interesting texture. After some starting up rows, the main pattern is a four-row repeat, but with only a single extra knit stitch dividing row 1 and 3, so almost a two-row repeat! In other words: you will memorize the pattern quickly.

I think this pattern is best for a light and airy yarn, but thick of fluffy enough to make the bubble stitches pop out. Try out with a swatch before you start the pattern, also try different size of needles. I developed this pattern for NUTIDEN pre-yarn, which has all these characteristics. The pattern demands quite much yard per row, so to speak. Therefore, I have included some suggestions on how to save some yarn which will make the shawl a little bit lighter. I preferred to make this shawl quite small and wear it like a jewelry with a nice brooch, rather than something I will wrap three times around my neck. But it is possible to make it as small or big as you want, you just stop when you feel you are ready!

Gauge is not relevant for this pattern, but texture is! So please try stitches and yarns with the bubble stitch before you start your project. The pattern becomes very beautiful if you knit with smaller needles and thicker yarn, but the fabric will be too dense and stiff. So be careful with the texture your yarn and needles form together.

The light pink shawl weights about 150 grams and measures 115 cm from tip to tip.

Please contact me on Ravelry if you find some errors with the pattern that I have not noticed, or if you have any questions.