Berroco Anika Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Anika Shawl: Seamless Knit Wrap from the Nebula Collection

What is Being Made

The Berroco Anika is a triangular shawl and wrap designed by Brenda York, part of the Nebula Collection. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished piece measuring approximately 66 inches wide by 26 inches down the center after blocking. The shawl features a distinctive construction method that begins with a center square worked in the round, followed by two coordinating tail sections that extend from opposite sides of the square.

Construction Technique and Pattern Structure

The Anika employs a unique seamless construction method worked flat and in the round. The pattern begins with a sliding loop foundation, using a crochet hook to establish 12 single crochet stitches that are then divided onto double-pointed needles for circular knitting. The center square is worked in the round using strategic yarn overs and knit stitches to create geometric increases across 19 rounds. Once the center square reaches its full dimensions, stitches are picked up along one side edge to establish the right tail. After completing the right tail, stitches are picked up along the cast-on edge of that tail and along the next side edge of the square to create the left tail. This construction method allows for balanced, symmetrical shaping without seaming.

For knitters concerned with color consistency, the pattern notes that stripe sequences should be carefully aligned when beginning the second tail—starting at the same point in the color sequence as the first tail ensures visual harmony across both tail sections.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Anika pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with strategic shaping elements:

• Knit stitch (K): Forms the primary fabric structure throughout the piece
• Yarn over (yo): Creates decorative increases and lace-like openwork that defines the geometric shaping of the center square and contributes to the shawl's elegant drape
• Single crochet (sc): Used only for the initial foundation loop, establishing the 12-stitch base that begins the center square

The pattern employs a repeating increase sequence across the four sides of the center square, with yarn overs positioned symmetrically to create balanced geometric growth. Knit rounds between increase rounds allow the fabric to develop structure and definition.

Materials and Tools

The Anika is designed to be worked with Berroco Nebula yarn, a specialty yarn that features color variations and striping characteristics. The pattern calls for 2 cakes (200 grams total) of Berroco Nebula in colorway #7519 Capricorn. The yarn weight and fiber content are optimized for the gauge and drape specified in this design.

The needle and hook requirements include:

• One set of double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 7 (4.50 mm)
• Two circular needles in size 7 (4.50 mm)—one 16 inches in length and one 24 inches in length—for accommodating the increasing stitch count as the center square expands
• A crochet hook in size 4.50 mm (size G) for establishing the foundation loop
• One regular stitch marker and one removable stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and construction points

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions of 66 inches wide by 26 inches down the center. The pattern emphasizes that knitters should check gauge before beginning, as individual tension variations can affect the final size and drape of the completed shawl. Blocking is a critical finishing step that sets the stitches and achieves the intended measurements and elegant shape.