Berroco Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Berroco Shawl in the Key of G

What is Being Made

The Berroco Shawl in the Key of G is a triangular wrap designed by Julia Farwell-Clay. This seamless, bottom-up knit shawl measures approximately 62 inches wide across the top edge with a 31-inch depth measured down the center. The shawl features a distinctive construction method that begins with a bias-knit strip forming the triangular hem, followed by picking up stitches to knit the body of the shawl upward. The finished piece is an elegant, wearable wrap suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs several key knitting techniques that make it an accessible project for knitters of easy skill level. The garment is worked flat on circular needles in a bottom-up construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works toward the top. The shawl is completely seamless, eliminating the need for seaming. The design utilizes a two-step construction process: first, a bias knit strip in alternating garter stitch stripes creates the triangular hem foundation, and second, stitches are picked up from this border to knit the body of the shawl upward in continuing alternating stripes. A contrast black and white band is incorporated to provide visual interest. The pattern includes a special abbreviation, PCDD (center double decrease purlwise), which is used for shaping.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Berroco Shawl in the Key of G is Garter Stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric that is ideal for striped designs. The pattern incorporates alternating garter stitch stripes using multiple yarn colors throughout the construction. A specialized decrease stitch, PCDD (center double decrease purlwise), is employed for shaping purposes. This decrease is worked by slipping 2 stitches as if to SSK with yarn in front, placing them back on the left needle, slipping them together purlwise, purling the next stitch, and passing the 2 slipped stitches over, resulting in a 2-stitch decrease.

Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool yarn, which is a 100-gram skein weight. The color palette includes four distinct shades: Fox (C1), Lilac (C2), Cast Iron (C3), and Snow (C4). The yardage requirements are 2 balls each of Fox and Lilac, and 1 ball each of Cast Iron and Snow. Knitters will need a 24-inch to 32-inch circular needle in size 8 (5.00 mm) or the size necessary to obtain the specified gauge. Additional notions include a single double-pointed needle in a matching size, removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches when worked in Garter Stitch.