Berroco Caravel Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Caravel Lace Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Caravel is a sophisticated triangular lace shawl designed by Amy Christoffers. This seamless knit wrap features finished measurements of approximately 72 inches across the top and 21 inches down the center, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is worked from a small cast-on and expands outward through strategic increases, creating a classic crescent or triangular silhouette that flatters a variety of body types and styling preferences.

Skill Level and Construction Method

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Caravel shawl is worked flat on a circular needle in a seamless construction. This approach allows knitters to work back and forth in rows while using the circular needle's length to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shawl grows. The pattern begins with just 5 cast-on stitches and expands to 279 stitches through the combination of charted lace increases and pattern repeats.

Techniques Used

The Caravel employs several essential lace knitting techniques that create its delicate, openwork appearance:

• Lace charting: The pattern is worked from a detailed stitch chart that guides knitters through each row, with clear directional notes indicating whether to work from right to left on right-side rows and left to right on wrong-side rows
• Yarn overs: These create the characteristic eyelets and openwork that define lace knitting, adding visual interest and lightness to the finished fabric
• Decreases: The pattern incorporates both SSK (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) decreases to balance the yarn overs and maintain shaping
• Seamless, flat construction: Working flat on circular needles allows for easy stitch management and the ability to check progress throughout the project
• Sewn bind-off: The pattern uses a specialized sewn bind-off technique that creates a flexible, finished edge appropriate for lace shawls, worked with a tapestry needle using a long yarn tail

Stitches and Pattern Structure

The Caravel pattern is organized into distinct sections. Knitters cast on 5 stitches and work Rows 1 through 31 once from the charted pattern. Following this initial section, Rows 20 through 31 are repeated nine additional times, with the pattern repeat outlined in red being worked twice during the first repeat, three times during the second repeat, five times during the third repeat, and so on in increasing odd numbers. This mathematical progression creates the gradual expansion of the shawl. After completing all pattern rows, knitters work 5 rows of stockinette stitch even before binding off, creating a subtle transition to the finished edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Caravel pattern calls for Berroco Quinoa yarn in the colorway #1055 Cayenne, with 3 balls required to complete the project. Each ball weighs 50 grams, providing ample yardage for the expanding lace construction. Knitters will need a 32-inch circular needle in size 8 (5.00 mm) or whatever size is necessary to obtain the specified gauge. A tapestry needle is also essential for weaving in ends and executing the sewn bind-off technique.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15.5 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked in the charted lace pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure the finished shawl meets the intended dimensions. After completing all knitting, the shawl is finished by weaving in all yarn ends and blocking as desired. Blocking is particularly important for lace projects, as it opens up the delicate stitchwork and helps the shawl achieve its full, graceful drape.