Berroco Hanover Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Hanover Shawl Pattern Summary

What is Being Made

The Berroco Hanover Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Connie Chang Chinchio, featured in Portfolio Vol. 4. This seamless, flat-worked shawl measures approximately 24 inches long down the center and 57 inches wide, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Method

The Hanover Shawl uses a distinctive sideways construction technique. Rather than being worked from top to bottom or bottom to top, the shawl is worked horizontally from the center outward. The right half is knitted first, then the left half is picked up from the cast-on edge of the right half and worked in the opposite direction. This sideways approach allows for elegant shaping and the integration of cable stitch patterns on both sides of the finished piece.

Techniques Used

• Seamless construction: The shawl is worked as a single continuous piece without seaming, creating a polished, professional finish.
• Worked flat: Despite being seamless, the shawl is knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier stitch manipulation and cable work.
• Cable stitches: Decorative cable patterns are incorporated throughout the design using a cable needle to create twisted, textured elements that add visual interest and dimension.
• Shaping through decreasing: The shawl's triangular points are formed through strategic decreases worked just beyond the 5-stitch edging border, creating a refined silhouette.
• Stitch markers: Multiple markers are used to organize pattern sections and track decreases, essential for maintaining accuracy across the complex construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Hanover Shawl employs stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, providing a smooth canvas that showcases the cable work. Cable stitches are worked using Charts A, B, and C, which guide the knitter through the twisted stitch sequences. The pattern includes a 5-stitch garter stitch edging that frames the shawl and provides a finished border. Decreases are executed using SSK (slip, slip, knit) to create clean, directional decreases that contribute to the shawl's shaping.

Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool, a worsted-weight yarn. Three hanks of Berroco Ultra Wool in colorway #33153 Heather (100 grams per hank) are required to complete the shawl. A 32-inch circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) is used for the main fabric, with a cable needle needed for working the cable stitches. The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, and knitters are advised to check gauge before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Yarn and Fiber Characteristics

Berroco Ultra Wool is a durable, easy-care yarn suitable for everyday wear. The Heather colorway provides a neutral, versatile shade that complements various outfits and occasions. The yarn's structure supports the crisp definition required for cable work while maintaining the drape necessary for a comfortable shawl.