Calypso Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Calypso Shawl by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Calypso Shawl is a generous wrap-style shawl designed for intermediate knitters. The finished piece measures 49.5 cm (19½ inches) wide and 212 cm (83½ inches) long, making it a substantial accessory suitable for draping across the shoulders or wrapping around the body for warmth and style.

Construction Method

This shawl is constructed in two identical sections that are joined together using a grafting technique. Each section is worked separately from cast-on to completion, then the 99 stitches of each section are grafted together along the center seam to create the final wrap. This two-piece construction method allows for manageable working length while building the full dimensions of the finished shawl.

Knitting Techniques

• Garter stitch foundation: The shawl begins with 2 rows of garter stitch to create a stable, non-curling edge
• Yarn overs and decreases: The main pattern incorporates yarn overs (yfwd) for lace-like openwork combined with strategic decreases to maintain stitch count and create textural interest
• Slip stitch decreases: The pattern uses slip, slip, knit (sl 1, K1, psso) and slip 2 stitches as though to knit 2 together with pass-over decreases for refined shaping
• Through-the-back-loop stitches: Knit and purl stitches worked through the back loop (K1 tbl, P1 tbl) add subtle texture variation
• Stranded colorwork: Multiple yarn colors are joined and broken off throughout the pattern, creating a planned stripe sequence that repeats across the 60-row pattern repeat
• Grafting: The two sections are joined using the grafting technique to create an invisible center seam

Stitch Details

The pattern repeat consists of 12 rows that form the foundation of the shawl's structure. Rows 1 through 8 establish the main lace pattern with yarn overs and decreases, while rows 9 through 12 provide garter stitch sections worked in solid color. This 12-row repeat is then incorporated into a larger 60-row stripe sequence that repeats throughout the construction. The stripe sequence progresses through six different colored yarn sections before cycling back to the beginning, creating a sophisticated color progression across the finished wrap.

Yarn and Materials

The Calypso Shawl is worked in Rowan Kid Classic, a luxurious yarn available in multiple colorways. The standard colorway uses six colors: Pumice (888), Smoke (831), Tattoo (856), Lavender (897), Canard (871), and Mulberry (894). An alternative colorway option is provided, featuring Pumice (888), Navy (917), Sky Blue (915), Tiger (913), Lawn (919), and Mulberry (894). The pattern requires one pair of 5mm (US 8) needles for construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 10 centimeters, measured over the stitch pattern using 5mm needles. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the finished dimensions. The cast-on width of 99 stitches is maintained throughout both sections, with each section measuring approximately 106 centimeters in length before grafting.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this shawl requires familiarity with fundamental knitting techniques including yarn overs, decreases, and color changes. The grafting technique used to join the two sections adds to the intermediate skill requirement. The repetitive nature of the pattern, once established, makes it accessible to knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to expand their technical repertoire.

Finishing

After completion, the shawl should be pressed according to the yarn manufacturer's guidelines to even out the stitches and enhance the drape of the finished piece.