Berroco Nest- Portfolio Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Nest Knitted Shawl

What is Being Made

The Nest is a lace shawl designed by Emily Nora O'Neil, featured in Berroco Portfolio vol.1. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a generous triangular wrap measuring approximately 90 inches across the top edge by 34 inches down the center after blocking. The finished shawl is worked as a single piece in a seamless construction, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a traditional wrap.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated appearance and construction method. The shawl is worked flat on circular needles, which allows for easy stitch management across the width of the piece. The design utilizes a top-down construction, beginning with a small garter tab cast-on that is worked perpendicular to the main shawl body. This technique creates a neat, finished edge at the top of the wrap.

The pattern incorporates seamless knitting, meaning the entire shawl is created as one continuous piece without requiring seaming. Stitch markers are strategically placed throughout the pattern to help track pattern repeats and maintain proper stitch counts as the shawl expands. The construction uses a provisional cast-on method for the initial garter tab, which is later incorporated into the main body of the shawl.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Nest features lace stitch patterns as its primary design element. The pattern is worked using charted instructions, specifically referencing Chart A, which is repeated twice across the width of the shawl with a single knit stitch separating the two pattern repeats. Garter stitch forms the structural edges, with 3 stitches of garter stitch maintained on each side of the shawl throughout the construction. This creates a stable, finished border that frames the delicate lace patterns in the center.

The charted pattern is worked over 42 rows, during which the shawl increases from the initial 9 stitches to 89 stitches on the needle. The combination of garter stitch edges with the lace chart creates visual contrast and ensures the shawl maintains its shape and drape.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for 3 hanks of Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine yarn in the colorway #1292 Tiger's Eye Mix. Each hank weighs 100 grams, providing ample yardage for the completed shawl. Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine is a luxury yarn blend that offers softness and drape ideal for lace shawl construction.

The project requires a 29-inch circular knitting needle in size 3 (3.25 mm), or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles of this length provide comfortable working space for the expanding width of the shawl while keeping all stitches easily accessible. Additional supplies include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 30 rows equaling 4 inches in the charted pattern after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, as variations in individual knitter tension can affect the final size of the completed shawl.

Blocking is a critical finishing step for this lace shawl, as it sets the stitches and allows the lace patterns to fully open and display their intricate details. The finished measurements of approximately 90 inches across by 34 inches down the center are achieved after blocking is complete.