Berroco Bleddyn Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Bleddyn Knit Lace Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Bleddyn is a triangular lace shawl designed as a versatile wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a lightweight accessory. This seamless knit shawl is worked flat from the top edge downward, creating a classic crescent or triangular silhouette. The pattern offers two yarn options to suit different fiber preferences: the Berroco Boboli Lace version measures approximately 42 inches across the top edge with a height of 14 inches after blocking, while the Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine version measures approximately 41 inches across with a finished height of 12 inches after blocking.

Techniques Used

The Bleddyn employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its elegant drape and visual interest. The primary construction method is seamless knitting, which means the entire shawl is created as one continuous piece without requiring seaming. The shawl is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible to knitters who prefer traditional needle work. The most prominent design feature is lace patterning, which creates openwork sections that contribute to the shawl's lightweight, breathable quality. Lace knitting requires careful attention to yarn overs and decreases to form the characteristic holes and flowing design elements. The pattern is guided by a chart, which provides a visual roadmap for executing the lace stitches accurately throughout the project.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While the specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Bleddyn is constructed using a Lace Pattern that is worked according to Chart A. This chart-based approach is typical of lace shawl construction and likely incorporates fundamental lace stitches such as yarn overs for creating the openwork design, along with knit and purl stitches for structure and decreases to shape the triangular form. The pattern begins with a small cast-on of just 3 stitches and expands through the lace pattern increases to reach the full width of the finished shawl. The lace pattern is worked over 79 rows, beginning on the wrong side and ending on the wrong side, which is a common approach in shawl design to ensure proper stitch orientation.

Materials and Yarn Options

The Bleddyn pattern provides flexibility with two distinct yarn choices, each producing slightly different characteristics:

• Berroco Boboli Lace: This option uses 1 ball of Berroco Boboli Lace yarn in colorway #4368 Rosehip, weighing 100 grams. This yarn choice produces the larger finished dimensions of 42 inches by 14 inches.
• Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine: Alternatively, knitters may use 1 hank of Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine in colorway #12180 Grove Mix, also weighing 100 grams. This yarn option yields a finished shawl measuring 41 inches by 12 inches.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for straight knitting needles in size 7 (4.50 mm), though knitters should adjust needle size as needed to obtain the correct gauge. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project, as the finished measurements depend on accurate stitch and row gauge.

The gauge requirements differ slightly between yarn options due to their different weights and characteristics:

• Boboli Lace version: 11 stitches and 26 rows measure 4 inches in the Lace Pattern
• Ultra Alpaca Fine version: 11 stitches and 30 rows measure 4 inches in the Lace Pattern

Both gauges are measured after blocking, which is a critical finishing step for lace shawls. The pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning, as this ensures the finished shawl will meet the intended dimensions and drape properly.

Skill Level and Finishing

This pattern is rated at an Intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience in reading charts and working lace stitches. Finishing involves weaving in all ends and blocking the completed piece to the specified measurements. Blocking is particularly important for lace shawls, as it opens up the lace pattern and allows the shawl to achieve its intended shape and dimensions.