Berroco Kaileah Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Kaileah Knit Shawl

What is Being Made

The Berroco Kaileah is an intermediate-level triangular knit shawl designed by Alison Green. This wrap features finished measurements of approximately 64 inches across the top and 27 inches down the center after blocking, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a lightweight wrap. The shawl is constructed using a distinctive two-stage construction method that creates both structural stability and decorative lace detailing.

Construction Techniques

The Kaileah employs a bottom-up construction method that begins with a center triangle worked first, followed by lace pattern sections picked up and worked downward from the triangle's edges. This approach is characteristic of modern shawl design and allows knitters to easily adjust the final size by continuing or stopping the lace pattern rows as desired.

The shawl uses worked flat construction on circular needles, meaning the piece is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The center triangle is initiated from a single cast-on stitch and increased systematically using yarn overs to create the foundation, then the lace pattern is picked up along the triangle's side edges. This technique creates natural stitch pickup points and ensures proper stitch count for the lace sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Garter Stitch forms the center triangle and the edge stitches, providing a stable, textured base with excellent drape characteristics
• Yarn overs (yo) serve dual purposes: they increase stitches during the triangle construction and create the decorative lace holes throughout the pattern
• Lace Pattern worked from a chart creates the primary design element, repeated across two complete cycles of a 24-row chart sequence
• Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the lace pattern, with purl stitches creating definition in the center and side sections
• Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and maintaining proper stitch alignment across the four marked sections

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Kaileah pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool Fine, a premium yarn choice that offers excellent stitch definition for lace work. The project requires 2 balls (200 grams total) in colorway #53104 Driftwood, though the pattern notes that the sample used almost all of both balls, not including gauge swatches. Knitters are advised to purchase an extra ball if uncertain about yardage.

The pattern requires a 36-inch (or longer) circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm), or whatever size is necessary to obtain the specified gauge. Circular needles are used for their length to accommodate the increasing stitch count, even though the work is flat rather than circular. Stitch markers are essential notions for tracking the four pattern sections throughout the lace portion.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in Garter Stitch. Accurate gauge is critical for achieving the finished measurements and proper drape of the lace sections. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, as individual knitter tension variations can significantly affect the final dimensions of the shawl.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Kaileah requires competence with basic knitting techniques including yarn overs, chart reading, stitch pickup, and marker management. The lace pattern adds complexity beyond beginner projects, but the straightforward construction method and clear chart guidance make it accessible to knitters with foundational skills and some experience with lace work.