Berroco Grande Ronde Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Grande Ronde Knitted Shawl

What is Being Made

The Grande Ronde is a triangular knitted shawl designed by Brenda York, measuring approximately 80 inches across the top and 23 inches down the center. This is a versatile wrap suitable for layering and everyday wear, constructed using a three-section modular approach that builds from a center panel outward to the side sections.

Construction Technique

The Grande Ronde employs a distinctive construction method that begins with a center section worked flat in garter stitch. After completing the center panel, stitches are picked up along the side edges and worked outward to create the triangular shape. This modular approach allows the knitter to build the shawl systematically, with each side section featuring strategic decreases that shape the final silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch pattern throughout the entire shawl, created by knitting every row. This produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges that are both functional and visually appealing.
• Knit Stitches: Standard knit stitches form the foundation of the pattern.
• Slip Stitches: Edge stitches are slipped at the beginning of rows to create clean, finished edges.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): Used strategically in the side sections to create decreases that shape the triangular form. Decreases are worked every fourth row initially, then every row to create the tapered point.
• Purl Stitches: Used minimally on the wrong-side edges for finishing detail.

Materials and Tools

The Grande Ronde is knitted using Berroco Millefiori Light yarn, a premium yarn choice that provides beautiful color and drape. The pattern calls for 2 balls each of two colorways: #6897 Hyacinth (C1) and #6895 Sunflower (C2). The yarn is held double throughout the entire project, meaning two strands are worked simultaneously to achieve the desired fabric weight and gauge.

A 29-inch circular needle in size 11 (8.00 mm) is required to accommodate the width of the shawl and provide comfortable working length. The pattern specifies checking gauge before beginning: 12 stitches and 24 rows should measure 4 inches in garter stitch when working with two strands of yarn held together.

Skill Level and Construction Details

Rated as an easy to intermediate project, the Grande Ronde is accessible to knitters with basic skills while offering enough visual interest to engage more experienced crafters. The center section begins with 41 cast-on stitches and is worked for 70 garter ridges, establishing the foundation of the shawl. The right and left side sections are then constructed by picking up 70 stitches along each edge of the center panel and working outward with decreases.

The decrease sequence in the side sections follows a specific pattern: decreases are worked every fourth row for 12 repeats, then every right-side row for 54 repeats, gradually tapering the shawl to a point. This mathematical approach ensures proper shaping and a balanced triangular form. The two-color construction, with different colors used for each side section, creates visual interest and allows the knitter to explore color combination possibilities with the Hyacinth and Sunflower colorways.