Berroco Mrs. Watson- Portfolio Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Mrs. Watson Shawl

What is Being Made

The Mrs. Watson is a triangular shawl designed by Martina Behm from Berroco Portfolio vol.1. This seamless knit shawl measures approximately 66 inches across the top edge by 20 inches long, making it an elegant wrap suitable for layering or draping. The design features a sophisticated two-color construction that creates visual interest through strategic color placement and stitch patterning.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure:

• 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 directional shaping
• Short row shaping: Short rows are used throughout the pattern to create the triangular silhouette and three-dimensional drape. These rows reverse direction before completion, often multiple times within a single row, to build the shawl's distinctive shape
• Wrap and turn (w&t): This technique conceals holes that would otherwise appear in short row shaping by wrapping stitches before turning, creating seamless transitions in the fabric
• Striped colorwork: The pattern alternates between two yarn colors, with Color A used for body pattern rows and Color B designated for leaf rows, creating visual striping throughout the design

Stitches Used

The Mrs. Watson shawl utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Garter stitch: The primary stitch throughout the shawl, created by knitting every row. This produces a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape and durability
• Knit front and back (kfb): An increase stitch used to add stitches where shaping requires expansion
• Purl stitches: Used selectively, particularly at center points (p1 at center st) to create definition and visual focal points within the garter stitch fabric

Materials and Tools

The Mrs. Watson pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the intended finished dimensions and fabric characteristics:

• Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light, a premium alpaca blend yarn. The pattern requires 3 hanks of color #4209 Moonshadow (Color A) and 2 hanks of color #4288 Blueberry Mix (Color B), totaling 5 hanks. Each hank weighs 50 grams
• Needles: One 32-inch circular knitting needle in size 5 (3.75 mm), or the size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Notions: One removable stitch marker or safety pin for tracking pattern placement
• Gauge: 17 stitches and 40 rows equal 4 inches in garter stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential before beginning the project to ensure the finished shawl meets the specified dimensions

Pattern Notes

This pattern is classified as intermediate skill level, indicating it requires familiarity with basic knitting techniques plus competency with short row shaping and color changes. The designer recommends using the specified Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light yarn to ensure consistent results, as yarn substitutions may affect gauge, yardage requirements, and final appearance. Blocking after completion is necessary to achieve the stated gauge measurements and to properly set the shawl's shape and drape.