Airen Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Airen Shawl in Berroco Summer Silk

What is Being Made

The Airen Shawl is a top-down triangular wrap designed by Donna Yacino. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished shawl measuring approximately 50 inches across the top with a 15-inch depth at the center, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Knitting Techniques Used

This shawl employs a top-down construction method, beginning with just 10 stitches and increasing outward to create the triangular silhouette. The design incorporates strategic increases and decreases that shape the piece as it grows. A key technique featured in this pattern is the Make One (M1) increase, which is worked by picking up the horizontal strand between stitches from front to back and knitting through it without twisting. This particular method creates decorative holes that appear as part of the shawl's visual design, similar to yarn-over effects. The pattern also uses SSK (slip, slip, knit) decreases and k2tog (knit two together) decreases to maintain shaping while the shawl expands.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Airen Shawl is primarily worked in Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates strategic lines of M1 increases positioned on each side of the shawl, with these increase lines creating visible holes that form part of the garment's aesthetic. Reverse Stockinette sections (purl stitches on the right side) are used to create textural contrast and definition. The pattern uses stitch markers to track key sections, including markers for the center stitches and the sides where increases occur, helping knitters maintain proper shaping throughout the project.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern calls for Berroco Summer Silk yarn in color #4034 Shadow, requiring 4 balls of 50-gram weight. The yarn is worked on a 36-inch (or longer) circular needle in size 9 (5.50 mm), or whatever size is needed to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern requires 2 stitch markers to track the shawl's structure. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished shawl meets the intended dimensions and drapes properly.

Pattern Notes

This is a downloadable PDF pattern from Berroco's collection. The pattern is designed for intermediate-level knitters who are comfortable with increases, decreases, and stitch marker placement. The top-down construction allows knitters to try on the shawl as it grows and adjust the final size if desired by continuing to work additional pattern repeats. The Berroco Summer Silk yarn provides a lightweight, breathable fiber ideal for a shawl that can be worn in warmer seasons or as a delicate layering piece.