Berroco Alikae Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Alikae Knit Shawl

What is Being Made

The Alikae is a triangular knit shawl designed by Alison Green, featuring finished measurements of approximately 55" across the top by 9" down the center at its widest point after blocking. This intermediate-level knitting project creates an elegant wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Method

The Alikae shawl uses a distinctive two-part construction technique. The edging is worked first as an independent decorative border, then stitches are picked up along the straight side edge to begin the shawl body. This approach allows the decorative edging to frame the finished piece while the body is shaped separately. The shawl body is then shaped using short rows, a technique that creates the triangular silhouette by gradually increasing the width while working back and forth across the stitches.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the shawl, creating a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges
• Short Rows: Used to shape the shawl body and create the triangular form, with slip stitches worked with yarn forward and yarn back to maintain continuity
• Stitch Markers: Used to denote pattern sections and shaping points throughout the construction
• Slip Stitch (Sl 1): Worked with yarn in front (wyif) and yarn in back (wyib) to create smooth edges during short-row shaping
• Decrease Stitches (SSK): Slip, slip, knit decreases worked during the shaping sections
• Bind Off: Finished edge worked with a needle one to two sizes larger than the working needle for a relaxed, non-restrictive edge
• Blocking: Essential finishing step that sets the final measurements and opens up the garter stitch texture

Materials Required

This project calls for Berroco Ultra Wool Fine yarn in the colorway Heather (#53153). One 100-gram ball provides sufficient yardage for the completed shawl. The pattern specifies a 29" or longer circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm), or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. A shorter circular needle may be preferred for working the edging section, and a needle one to two sizes larger is recommended for the bind-off edge. Two stitch markers are needed to track pattern sections during construction.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch after blocking. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished shawl meets the specified measurements of 55" across the top.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Alikae requires familiarity with circular needle techniques, short-row shaping, and the ability to read pattern charts. Knitters should be comfortable with picking up stitches and managing stitch markers throughout the construction process.