Obtuse shawl by Leela Frankcombe

Obtuse shawl

Knitting
September 2026
both are used in this pattern
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
19 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches
in brioche rib
US 4 - 3.5 mm
766 - 984 yards (700 - 900 m)
one size (adjustable)
English
This pattern is available for AU$12.00 AUD buy it now

Use the coupon code MORETHAN90 for AU$2 off the purchase price, valid until the 22nd of September 2026. Plus, get Obtuser for free when you purchase Obtuse!

The companion patterns Obtuse and Obtuser are explorations of using two yarns of different weight and texture in brioche. Both are worked tip to tip, increasing in width to the middle of the shawl and then decreasing again until the end.

Obtuse has a more traditional triangular shawl shape, although it is slightly wider than a top down triangular shawl would be. This is where it gets it’s name - an obtuse angle is an angle larger than 90 degrees.

Obtuse uses one smooth fingering weight yarn and a contrasting colour of a fluffy lace weight. The pattern will still work with a wide range of yarn weights and fibre types. If a change in yarn makes a large difference to your gauge then it is possible to resize the shawl by weighing your yarn and working the increasing sections until the shawl has used half the yarn, or until it is half the size desired, then starting the decreases.

Obtuse and Obtuser are sold as a bundle, put both in your cart and you’ll only pay for one.

For more details about the shawls you can see a video on my website.

Materials:
• Fingering weight yarn and lace weight yarn, approximately 400m (440yds) of each.
• 3.5mm/US 4 circular needle with an 80cm/32” or longer cable.
• Two stitch markers.
• Tapestry needle to weave in ends.

Size of finished shawl:
Length 183cm/73.25”, depth 56cm/22.5”, relaxed after blocking.

Gauge:
Obtaining gauge is not essential, as long as you are happy with the fabric you are getting. Different gauge will affect the size of the finished object and the amount of yarn used. Sample gauge is 19 stitches and 18 rows in two colour brioche rib in a 10cm x 10cm/ 4” x 4” square, relaxed after blocking.

The patterns have both written instructions and charts. A video tutorial is available to demonstrate the one non-standard brioche stitch that is used.

For pattern support, please post in the help thread in my Ravelry group or email me at leelamary.knits@gmail.com. You may also find me on Instagram as @leelamary or on BlueSky as @leelamary.bsky.social. If you would like to hear about future pattern releases, please join my mailing list.