Swish Net Downloadable Knitting Pattern

This listing is for a pattern download from XandyPeters.com. If you want this pattern added to your Ravelry library, please follow this link to purchase directly from Ravelry.

The Swish Net is a fringed scarf or wrap with a hexagonal mesh pattern evocative of a fishing net. This project uses a special technique called the lattice stitch, creating fabric out of a series of icords. This stitch is also known as faux-chet because it so closely resembles various crochet stitches. This unusual construction makes the fabric somewhat unlike most other types of knitting. Dropped stitches do not ladder, but that also means you can’t fix a mistake without ripping back to that spot. Each row takes a while to knit, but there are far fewer rows in each project than there would be in a more traditional stitch. The mesh fabric has a variable gauge. The openwork stitches allow the length and width of the project to shift freely. The same size project can be worn as a long, narrow scarf or a short, wide shawl. 

Because there are some unusual techniques used in this project, the pattern comes with a photo guide for each row. You can either work from a traditionally written pattern or from the tutorials. It won't be long before you have the stitch pattern memorized. The lattice stitch playlist on my YouTube channel may also help you learn the stitches and understand the pattern.

You'll get a lot more for your yardage compared to similar stitches in crochet or even other knit stitches because of this special light weight fabric,. Bulky weight yarns tend to eat up a lot of yardage, but this pattern is designed to take your yarn much further. Each row is worked in a different color, making this the perfect project for mini skeins, scraps, or Advent calendars. I love how the bulky weight versions use mini skeins of KnitCollage art yarn. You hardly need any Koigu KPPPM to complete a row. If there's a yarn that you love to use and you have a bunch of scraps, you can probably make a swish net with them.Depending on what yarn you choose, you can wear this pattern in any season. Thicker yarns work better for the winter.

The samples used in the pattern show the two most extreme scenarios - Fingering weight and bulky weight. I personally think anything thinner would be tedious to knit and anything larger wouldn’t be practical. If you decide to make your project with a different weight yarn, you'll have to do some experimentation to see what the best gauge is. Despite differences in gauge, the cast on row of each sample project is 72”, this is a good size to aim for regardless of the yarn you use. The number of rows affects the overall length of the project. As more rows are added, the length also grows because the rows become more skewed. The rest of the pattern info is given separately for each gauge.

Bulky Weight Scarf

Finished Size: 14" (35.5 cm) wide and 98" (250 cm) at the longest point.

Yarn: Main Color -  1 skein of Knit Collage Spun Cloud, 100 yards (92m) per 200g; 100% wool. Stripes - 1 Knit Collage Mini Skein Sampler Kit; approx. 17 yards per skein. 

Color Order: Each row is worked in a new yarn. The first row is worked in Spun Cloud. The rest of the project alternates between the mini skein of your choice and the Spun Cloud yarn. 

• Purple - Lavender Dust Spun Cloud alternating with Violet ForeverMini Skein Sampler Kit (Cosmos Purple Daisy Chain, Iris Wildflower, Chasing Rainbows Cast Away, Interplanetary Purple Dreamland, Orchid Spun Cloud).
• Gold - Honeysuckle Spun Cloud alternating with Geode Mini Skein Sampler Kit (Circle Game Dreamland, Nomad Cast Away, Midnight Amber Wildflower, Frosty Green Spun Cloud, Dune Twist Daisy Chain).

Needles: Size 17 (12 mm) circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: Each repeat measures 3.5" (9 cm) wide. 2 rows = 3" (7.5 cm).

Other Materials: Sewing needle, pins, blocking surface.

Fingering Weight Wrap

Finished Size: 28" (71 cm) wide and 106" (270 cm) at the longest point.

Yarn: 49 x 11 yd (10m) Mini Skeinettes of KPPPM each weighing approx. 5g. You may also use a Pencil Box Kit (10 x 25g) or 5 skeins of KPPPM, 100 yards (92m) per 50g; 100% wool.

Color Order: Before starting the project, I arranged my mini skeinettes in a gradient, fading from one color to the next. There were only a few duplicates. If you are using a Pencil Box Kit, work 4-5 rows with each color.

KPPPM - 2403 (grey), 713, 473S, 205, 644, 856, 2160 x 2 (violet), 472, 1400 (royal purple) 1405 (purple), 825 x 2, 419 x 2, 529, 466, 2330 (green), 2152 (teal), 910 x 2, 539 x 2, 950, 450 x 2, 336, 701, 750, 2200 x 2 (orange), 108, 640, 319, 407 x 2, 326, 610 x 2, 521 x 2, 857 x 2 (sage), 113, 139 x 2, 454, 2403 (grey).

Needles: Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: Each repeat measures 1" (2.5 cm) wide. 12 rows = 7" (19 cm).

Other Materials: Sewing needle, pins, blocking surface.

Yarn info for Substitution

General info - Any yarn will work with this project regardless of weight. You may need to do some test swatches to see how much yarn is used in each row and to figure out your gauge.

Changing the size of the shawl - If you want to get a longer project, you can work the repeat section of each row a few more times. Unfortunately, if you are using the Knit Collage Mini Skeins, you may not have enough yarn to add more than one extra repeat. Adding extra rows will make the scarf wider and longer.

Changing the weight of the yarn -  Use a needle 2-3 sizes larger than the size recommended on the ball band. Because the finished size is easy to adjust, pick your needles by the drape of the fabric, not by gauge. If the icords seem very dense or stiff, go up a needle size.