Berroco Chichima Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Chichima Lace Shawl

What is Being Made

The Berroco Chichima is a triangular lace shawl designed by Alison Green, featuring finished measurements of approximately 56 inches across the top and 25 inches down the center. This seamless, top-down knit shawl is worked flat on circular needles and showcases delicate lace patterning throughout, making it an elegant accessory suitable for various occasions.

Skill Level and Design Details

This pattern is rated at an Intermediate skill level, making it appropriate for knitters with some experience who are ready to work with lace techniques. The shawl is available in one size and employs a top-down construction method, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it develops and adjust the final size if desired.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Chichima incorporates several advanced knitting techniques that create its distinctive aesthetic:

• Lace knitting – The primary decorative technique, featuring open, airy patterns created through strategic yarn overs and decreases
• Top-down construction – The shawl is begun at the top edge and expanded downward, a method that provides flexibility in final dimensions
• Seamless knitting – The entire piece is worked continuously without seaming, creating a unified fabric
• Worked flat – Despite using circular needles, the shawl is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, allowing for the triangular shape

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern features two distinct lace stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture:

• Lace Pattern 1 – A repeating multiple of 4 stitches plus 1, worked over 4 rows. This pattern incorporates yarn overs (yo), slip-slip-knit decreases (SSK), and centered double decreases (sl 1, k2tog, psso) to create openwork sections
• Lace Pattern 2 – A more complex repeating multiple of 6 stitches plus 1, worked over 6 rows. This pattern combines the same decrease techniques with additional yarn overs to produce a more intricate lace motif

Both patterns alternate with stockinette stitch sections and purl rows on the wrong side, which are fundamental to establishing the shawl's drape and structure. The use of yarn overs creates intentional holes in the fabric, while the various decrease methods (knit 2 together, slip-slip-knit, and centered double decreases) balance the yarn overs to maintain stitch count.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Chichima is designed to be worked in Berroco Quechua, a yarn that provides excellent drape for lace shawls. The pattern calls for:

• 3 hanks of Berroco Quechua in colorway #1320 Stockholm (Main Color)
• 2 hanks of Berroco Quechua in colorway #1363 Royal (Contrasting Color)
• Each hank weighs 50 grams

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires specific needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics:

• One 29-inch circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) for the main knitting
• Additional knitting needles in sizes 2–3 sizes larger than the main needle (approximately size 8–9 or 5.00–5.50 mm) for binding off loosely, which prevents the edge from puckering

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 32 rows equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Gauge is particularly important in lace projects, as variations can significantly affect the final size and drape of the shawl.

Design Notes

This is version 2 of the Chichima pattern, originally published in Berroco Booklet #389. The pattern employs a two-color design, allowing knitters to create visual contrast between the main and contrasting colors as the lace motifs develop. The combination of lace patterns and color