Berroco April In Paris Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco April in Paris Knitted Lace Shawl

What is Being Made

The April in Paris is a elegant knitted shawl designed by Emily Nora O'Neil for Berroco. This seamless, flat-worked wrap measures approximately 19½ inches wide by 70 inches long, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is rated as an Easy skill level project, making it accessible to knitters with basic experience.

Techniques Used

This shawl is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques combined with decorative lace work. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and is seamless, meaning there are no seams to join after completion. The design incorporates lace knitting as a primary decorative element, creating an openwork pattern that adds visual interest and drape to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The April in Paris shawl employs two primary stitch patterns:

• Garter Stitch: Used for the border sections of the shawl. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The shawl begins with 6 inches of garter stitch worked even before the lace pattern is introduced.
• Lace Pattern: An even-stitch repeat pattern that alternates between two distinct rows. The lace pattern uses yarn overs (yo) to create deliberate holes in the fabric, combined with decreases (k2tog and SSK—slip, slip, knit) to maintain stitch count. The four-row repeat consists of: Row 1 with yarn overs and k2tog decreases, Row 2 in knit, Row 3 with SSK decreases and yarn overs, and Row 4 in knit. This creates a balanced, symmetrical openwork design.

Materials and Specifications

The April in Paris shawl requires 5 balls of Berroco Folio yarn in colorway #4505 Peaks. Berroco Folio is a worsted-weight yarn with 50 grams per ball. The pattern calls for straight knitting needles in size 6 (4.00 mm), or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Two stitch markers are also required to track pattern sections during knitting.

Gauge Information

Achieving correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 19 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in Garter Stitch, and 18 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in Lace Pattern. The slight difference in stitch gauge between the two stitch patterns is normal, as lace patterns naturally create a more open fabric. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure the finished shawl meets the intended dimensions.

Construction Details

The shawl begins with a cast-on of 92 stitches. The first 6 inches are worked in garter stitch to establish a stable, textured border. Once the garter stitch section is complete, the lace pattern is introduced in the center 44 stitches, while 24 stitches remain in garter stitch on each side. This creates a balanced design with decorative lace framed by solid borders. Stitch markers are placed to clearly delineate where the lace pattern begins and ends, helping the knitter maintain pattern accuracy throughout the project.