Berroco Tala Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Tala Knit Shawl

What is Being Made

The Berroco Tala is a knitted shawl designed by Alison Green. This intermediate-level project creates a finished wrap measuring approximately 77 inches long by 25 inches wide at its widest end, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Method

The Tala shawl is worked flat using a unique construction technique. A long decorative band featuring an eyelet pattern is knitted first and left live on the circular needle. The main body of the shawl is then cast on separately and attached to this band using a slip-slip-knit decrease at the end of each right-side row, creating an integrated edge where the two sections meet.

Techniques Used

• Lace knitting: The shawl incorporates lace techniques throughout, particularly in the eyelet pattern sections that form both the decorative left edge and contribute to the overall openwork design
• Worked flat: The entire project is constructed flat on a circular needle rather than in the round, allowing for directional shaping and pattern control
• Decreasing: Slip-slip-knit (SSK) decreases are used strategically to attach the main body to the eyelet band edge
• Cable cast-on: Used to establish the stitches for the main body section of the shawl

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Tala incorporates multiple stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture:

• Eyelet Pattern: An openwork pattern worked over 6 rows using knit-together and yarn-over combinations (K2tog, yo) to create decorative holes. This pattern is repeated multiple times to form the long decorative band and appears in specific sections of the main body
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Used as a reference gauge measurement in the pattern
• Garter Stitch: Knit rows create texture and structure in designated sections
• Purl rows: Incorporated within pattern sequences to add dimension

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for 6 balls of Berroco Ginkgo in colorway #9638 Sapphire. Each ball weighs 50 grams, providing ample yardage for the full-sized shawl.

Needles and Notions: A 32-inch (or longer) circular knitting needle in size 9 (5.50 mm) is required to accommodate the stitch count. One removable stitch marker is needed to track pattern repeats and decreases.

Gauge Information

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern provides multiple gauge references: 16 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch; 16 stitches and 36 rows equal 4 inches in garter stitch; and 13 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches in the pattern stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated at the intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working lace patterns, managing multiple stitch patterns, and understanding decreasing techniques.