Secession by Kristina Vilimaite is an elegant asymmetric
shawl inspired by the decorative style of the Viennese Secession movement.
The design combines a sweeping curved triangular shape with delicate textured
details and optional beads.
The shawl is worked sideways in one piece, creating its distinctive asymmetric
silhouette without requiring separate sections to be sewn together.
Secession can be knitted in fingering or DK-weight yarn, and the pattern
includes guidance for petite, regular, large and custom-sized versions.
Design and original pattern © Kristina Vilimaite / AnimaKnits.
Secession Shawl Pattern Overview
- Designer: Kristina Vilimaite
- Pattern: Secession
- Craft: Knitting
- Category: Shawl / wrap
- Published: April 2016
- Construction: One piece
- Direction: Worked sideways
- Shape: Asymmetric curved triangle
- Sizes: S, M and custom sizing instructions
- Yarn options: Fingering or DK weight
- Suggested yarns: Malabrigo Silky Merino and madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light
- Yardage: Approximately 416–995 yd / 380–910 m
- Needles: US 2½ / 3.0 mm
- Gauge: 26 stitches × 31 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette stitch
- Beads: Optional
- Instructions: Written instructions and charts
- Language: English
- Pattern availability: Paid pattern
An Asymmetric Curved Triangle Shawl
Secession does not follow the familiar symmetrical triangle construction used
for many traditional shawls.
Instead, the fabric grows sideways into an
asymmetric curved triangular shape.
This gives the finished shawl a flowing silhouette that can be wrapped around
the shoulders or styled more loosely around the neck.
Inspired by the Viennese Secession Movement
The name Secession refers to the Viennese Secession, the Austrian Art Nouveau
movement associated with artists such as Gustav Klimt.
The designer describes the shawl as combining simplicity with decorative
detail, including the option of adding beads for extra contrast and sparkle.
That balance between a clean silhouette and ornamental detail is one of the
features that gives the design its distinctive character.
Worked Sideways in One Piece
The shawl is knitted sideways as a single piece.
This means the shaping develops gradually across the work rather than beginning
at the center or lower point of a traditional triangular shawl.
There are no separate panels to assemble afterward, which keeps the basic
construction cohesive even though the finished shape is unusual.
Fingering or DK Yarn
One of the most useful features of Secession is that the pattern can be worked
with either fingering-weight or DK-weight yarn.
The different yarn weights allow the same design to produce shawls with
different scale and drape.
Fingering yarn creates a lighter, more delicate fabric, while DK yarn can give
the shawl more substance and warmth.
Suggested Yarns
The pattern lists two suggested yarns:
- Malabrigo Silky Merino
- madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light
These represent two different yarn-weight options for the design.
You can substitute another suitable yarn if desired, but consider drape,
yardage and stitch definition when choosing an alternative.
Yardage
The published yarn requirement ranges from approximately:
416–995 yards / 380–910 meters.
The amount required depends on the chosen size, yarn weight and customization.
If you plan to enlarge the shawl beyond one of the standard options, allow
additional yarn rather than purchasing only the minimum amount.
Custom Sizing
Secession includes instructions for adjusting the shawl beyond the two
standard pattern sizes.
This is particularly useful because the same design can be adapted for a petite
shawl, a regular wrap or a larger statement piece.
Custom sizing also gives knitters more flexibility when working with a specific
amount of yarn.
Optional Beads
Beads are optional, but they are an important decorative possibility in this
design.
They can highlight the ornamental sections of the shawl and add small flashes
of light against the knitted fabric.
If you prefer a simpler look, the shawl can also be knitted without beads.
Using Beads in a Shawl
If you choose to add beads, make sure the bead size works comfortably with your
chosen yarn.
Beads that are too small may be difficult to place, while very large beads can
add unnecessary weight to a lightweight shawl.
It is worth testing a few beads with your yarn before beginning the full
project.
Needles and Gauge
The pattern lists US 2½ / 3.0 mm needles.
The published gauge is approximately:
26 stitches × 31 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette stitch.
Because this is a shawl rather than a fitted sweater, drape is especially
important. Use the published gauge as a guide while also checking that your
fabric feels fluid rather than overly stiff.
Skills You'll Use
- Casting on
- Knit and purl stitches
- Working flat
- Sideways shawl construction
- Increasing and decreasing
- Twisted stitches
- Reading knitting charts
- Following written instructions
- Optional bead placement
- Blocking a shaped shawl
Is Secession Beginner Friendly?
Secession is better suited to an intermediate knitter or a
confident advanced beginner who already feels comfortable following shaping
instructions and charts.
The shawl is worked in one piece, but its asymmetric shaping and decorative
details require more attention than a basic garter-stitch shawl.
Adding beads introduces another technique, although they are optional.
Charts and Written Instructions
The pattern provides both charted and written information for the design.
This gives knitters some flexibility depending on whether they prefer to follow
visual stitch charts or line-by-line written directions.
Keeping a row counter or progress marker nearby can be helpful when working
through longer decorative sections.
Blocking the Finished Shawl
Blocking is an important finishing step for a shaped shawl like Secession.
It helps smooth the fabric, open decorative sections and define the curved
asymmetric outline.
Always follow the washing and blocking recommendations for your chosen yarn,
especially when using silk, merino or other delicate fibers.
Styling Secession
The asymmetric shape allows the shawl to be worn in several ways.
- Draped traditionally over the shoulders
- Wrapped around the neck like a scarf
- Worn with the long point to one side
- Layered over a simple top or dress
The optional beads make the design especially suitable for dressier styling,
while an unbeaded version can feel more understated.
Is the Secession Shawl Pattern Free?
No. Secession by Kristina Vilimaite is currently a paid knitting
pattern.
The pattern is presently listed at $7.00 USD in the
designer's AnimaKnits Ravelry Store.
Amazing Knitting previously linked readers to the design as a pattern
discovery page, but pattern prices and availability can change over time.
We therefore identify the current paid status clearly rather than describing
the design as free.
View the Secession Shawl Pattern →
Related Secession Designs
Kristina Vilimaite later expanded the Secession concept into additional
accessories.
The designer also created Secession Mitts and the
Secession Cowl, both inspired by the same decorative style.
These related designs may appeal to knitters who enjoy the look of the shawl
but prefer a smaller accessory project.
Why This Shawl Is Worth Considering
Secession stands out because it combines an unusual asymmetric silhouette with
decorative details that remain optional.
The ability to choose fingering or DK yarn, adjust the overall size and add or
omit beads gives knitters considerable control over the finished result.
Its sideways one-piece construction also offers a different experience from
traditional center-out triangular shawls.
Pattern Availability
Amazing Knitting links readers to legitimate designer or publisher sources
whenever possible. Pattern prices, download locations and availability can
change after an article is published.
Read Our Pattern Availability Policy →
Amazing Knitting is an independent pattern discovery and project-guide site.
The Secession design and knitting pattern remain the intellectual property of
Kristina Vilimaite / AnimaKnits. This guide does not reproduce the designer's
complete row-by-row instructions or charts.
