Knit a "Bactus" Shawl - Free Pattern

This is a shallow triangular shawl knitted sideways in garter stitch


"Bactus" is a tooth troll from a Norwegian children's book. Together with "Karius" they teach children to brush their teeth and are destroyed by the dentist.... With the long thin ends hanging down you can see where the association with a tooth came from. 

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This version is knitted entirely in knit stitch so it is simplicity itself. You could knit the same pattern in stocking stitch (knit one row, purl one row) to make a "Karius" scarf which would tend to curl in at the edges.

The Baktus Shawl pattern is widespread. This is my version of it, there are many variations possible and it is easy to adapt by adding a border along one edge. Why not try my simple version and then move on to doing a modification of your own?

This shawl starts with three stitches. You knit every row, increasing every fourth row until you have used half of your yarn then decrease down to three stitches again. A very easy relaxing shawl to knit. 

Materials

100 g fingering weight yarn / sock yarn, 3.25 mm (US 3) knitting needles (straight or circular). Please adjust needle size if the fabric you achieve is too tight or too loose.

Stitch marker (optional), Blocking mat and pins (optional).

Preparation

Knit up a small square in garter stitch (knit every row) to check if you are happy with the fabric. I found 3.25 mm (US 3) needles were suitable. If you need to, you could go up or down a needle size.

Weigh your yarn and make a note of the weight in g or ounces. 

Gauge

I have stated my gauge but it is not important for this pattern. 24 stitches and 54 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) using 3.25 mm needles and knitting every row (garter stitch).

Abbreviations

k knit

st(s) stitch(es)

yo take the yarn forward (to the front of your work) and over the right needle. When you knit the next stitch from this position an extra stitch will have been created.

(This increase leaves a hole, which is used decoratively or closed by knitting the stitch through the back loop, thereby twisting it, on the next row).

k1tbl knit one stitch through the back loop.

(Stitches lie over the needle with one part of the loop in front facing you and one part of the loop at the back of the needle. Knitting into the back loop twists the stitch).

ssk slip two stitches as if to knit, one at a time, from the left needle to the right needle. Insert the left needle from left to right into these two stitches so that the left needle is in front of the right needle and knit these two stitches together.

Pattern Instructions

Using 3.25 mm (US 3) needles, cast on 3 stitches.

Increase rows occur every fourth row as follows:

Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.

Row 4: K1, yo, k to the end of the row.

Row 5: K until there are 2 sts left on the needle, k1tbl, k1.

Rows 6 and 7: K all sts.

Row 8: K1, yo, k to the end of the row.

Repeat rows 5 to 8 until you have used up half of your yarn by weight.

Start decreasing in the fourth row as follows:

Rows 1 to 3: K all sts.

Row 4: K1, ssk, k to the end of the row.

Rows 5 to 7: K to the end of the row.

Row 8: K1, ssk, k to the end of the row.

Repeat rows 5 to 8 until there are only 3 stitches left on the needle.

Bind off loosely, block if desired and weave in the ends. 

If you have access to skillshare.com or would like to become a member, then feel free to have a look at my class: "Knit a "Baktus" shawl" 

You can watch it for free by signing up to a two month trial of skillshare with no charge if you cancel within the two month period.