About the craft
The Grid and the Border – Traditional Elements of a Down Shawl
A genuine, high-quality Orenburg down shawl is identified by 4 main elements: a complex or dense centre, the edging of the centre – the grid, the border and the points.
The craftswoman starts knitting the shawl from the centre, and then attaches the other elements of the composition to it. We have already talked about the central part and the points . Now it is time for the grid and the border.
So, the grid is a band consisting of very openwork patterns. It separates the border from the central part. The name "grid" (reshetka) comes from the word "resheto", sieve – that is, the fabric is so openwork that it looks like a holey sieve.
The grid is a contrasting element of the down shawl's composition. Grid patterns are, as a rule, more difficult to knit than those of the main fabric.
The border is an independent part of the shawl that repeats the main motifs of the central part and emphasises the beauty and austerity of the geometric elements of the item's pattern. The border is usually 2–3 times wider than the grid. You can choose any way of wearing the shawl, but in every option it is the border that will always be visible! Which means that the item's main austere, elegant pattern will not remain in the shadows. It will adorn your clothing and emphasise your silhouette.
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