Berroco Belcourt Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Belcourt Knit Shawl and Wrap

What Is Being Made

The Belcourt is a beginner-friendly knit shawl and wrap designed by the Berroco Design Team. This two-section construction creates a finished rectangular wrap measuring approximately 22 inches wide by 64 inches long. The design combines a main lengthwise section with an additional perpendicular section picked up from the side edge, resulting in a layered, dimensional wrap suitable for draping over shoulders or wearing as a generous scarf.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Belcourt employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners:

• Two-section construction: Section 1 is worked lengthwise from a cast-on edge, then Section 2 is created by picking up stitches along the completed side edge and working perpendicular to the original direction
• Slip stitch detailing: The pattern incorporates slip stitches worked with yarn in front (wyif) and yarn in back (wyib) to create textural interest
• Stripe sequencing: Color changes are worked in a repeating 18-row stripe pattern, alternating between three coordinating yarn colors
• Gauge matching: Achieving the correct gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches in pattern stitch ensures accurate finished dimensions

Stitches Used

The Belcourt uses a simple, beginner-appropriate stitch repertoire:

• Knit stitch (k): The primary stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl stitch (p): Used in alternation with knit stitches to create the pattern texture
• Slip stitch (sl): Worked with yarn positioned in front or in back to create a subtle slipped-stitch pattern that adds visual depth without increasing complexity
• Cast-on and bind-off: Standard techniques to begin and finish the knitted fabric

The pattern stitch itself is worked over an odd number of stitches and repeats across just 2 rows, making it highly manageable for knitters new to pattern work. The alternating slip stitches create a refined texture while remaining straightforward to execute.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Belcourt is crafted using Berroco Gingham yarn, a worsted-weight fiber available in three coordinating colors:

• 1 ball of #3120 Marmalade (C1) in a warm orange tone
• 2 balls of #3103 Salt (C2) in a neutral shade
• 1 ball of #3124 Pesto (C3) in a green hue

Each ball contains 100 grams of yarn. The three-color palette creates visual interest through the repeating stripe sequence while maintaining a cohesive, coordinated appearance.

The project requires a 36-inch circular needle in size 17 (12.00 mm) or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles are used here for their length capacity to accommodate the 39 cast-on stitches and provide comfortable working length, though they are worked flat rather than in the round. The large needle size paired with the worsted-weight yarn creates a fabric with good drape suitable for a wrap garment.

Pattern Structure and Design Details

The Belcourt's two-section design offers both visual interest and practical construction benefits. Section 1 establishes the main body of the wrap, worked lengthwise to the full 64-inch length. The stripe sequence repeats every 18 rows, cycling through color combinations of Marmalade, Salt, and back to Marmalade in a specific pattern: 2 rows, 2 rows, 6 rows, 2 rows, 4 rows, 2 rows.

Section 2 is worked perpendicular to Section 1, with stitches picked up along the completed side edge at a ratio of approximately 3 stitches for every 4 rows. This section substitutes Pesto (C3) for Marmalade in the stripe sequence, creating a distinct color variation. Section 2 extends 11 inches from the picked-up edge, adding dimension and creating a layered effect that enhances the wrap's visual appeal and versatility.

The beginner difficulty rating reflects the straightforward stitch techniques, simple pattern repeat, and clear construction sequence, making this an excellent project