Berroco McNabs Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco McNabs Knitted Shawl

What Is Being Made

The McNabs is a knitted shawl and wrap designed by Emily Nora O'Neil, featured in Berroco Booklet #351. This is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a finished wrap measuring approximately 30 inches wide by 56 inches long, with an effective wearing length of 28 inches. The McNabs is an elegant accessory suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Construction Method and Techniques

The McNabs shawl is worked flat and constructed as a seamless, one-piece garment. The pattern is knitted continuously from the front edges toward the back edge, eliminating the need for seaming. This construction method creates a unified fabric without interruption. When changing colors during the knitting process, the pattern instructs knitters to hold the yarn to the left and pick up the new color from underneath, which twists the yarn for a secure color transition.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the McNabs is Seed Stitch, a fundamental textured stitch that creates a bumpy, fabric-like appearance. Seed Stitch is worked over an even number of stitches across two rows: Row 1 alternates knit and purl stitches across the row (K1, P1 repeat), and Row 2 reverses this pattern (P1, K1 repeat). These two rows are repeated continuously to build the fabric. This stitch pattern provides visual interest and texture while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.

Materials and Gauge

The McNabs requires Berroco Blackstone Tweed yarn in four coordinating colorways: 3 balls each of #2681 Flannel (A) and #2602 Steamers (B), 2 balls of #2656 Narragansett (C), and 4 balls of #2607 Wintery Mix (D). Each ball of Blackstone Tweed weighs 50 grams. The pattern calls for size 7 (4.50 mm) straight knitting needles, along with a spare straight needle of the same size and 2 stitch markers for construction.

The required gauge is 18 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches when working in Seed Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished shawl meets the specified dimensions.

Yarn Information

Berroco Blackstone Tweed is the specified yarn for this pattern. The pattern notes recommend using the exact yarns called for in the instructions to achieve the intended results. Berroco provides a store locator tool on their website to help knitters find local yarn shops that carry Blackstone Tweed and other Berroco products.