Chichima Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Chichima Shawl in Berroco Quechua

What Is Being Made

The Chichima Shawl is a triangular lace shawl designed by Alison Green, available as version 2 from Booklet #389. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished shawl measuring approximately 56 inches across the top and 25 inches down the center, making it a versatile wrap suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Berroco Quechua, a specialty yarn that provides structure and visual interest to the lace patterns. The colorway combination features 3 hanks of #1320 Stockholm as the main color and 2 hanks of #1363 Royal as the contrasting color. Each hank weighs 50 grams. A 29-inch circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) serves as the primary needle for the main knitting, while an additional knitting needle 2–3 sizes larger is recommended for binding off loosely to ensure a flexible, professional edge.

Stitches and Techniques

The Chichima Shawl incorporates two distinct lace patterns that create openwork designs throughout the garment:

• Lace Pattern 1 works over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 1, repeating across 4 rows. This pattern features yarn overs combined with centered double decreases created using slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, k2tog, psso). The pattern alternates between right-side rows with decorative yarn overs and wrong-side purl rows, creating a delicate, symmetrical openwork effect.
• Lace Pattern 2 operates on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1 and repeats over 6 rows, offering more complexity. This pattern incorporates knit 2 together (k2tog), yarn overs (yo), slip-slip-knit decreases (SSK), and centered double decreases. The combination of these decreases and increases creates flowing diagonal lines and larger openwork sections characteristic of traditional shawl lace.

Both patterns employ fundamental lace-knitting techniques: yarn overs to create intentional holes and eyelets, and strategic decreases to maintain stitch count while forming the openwork design. The alternation between right-side pattern rows and wrong-side purl rows is essential to the lace's definition and drape.

Gauge and Construction

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring proper drape of the lace patterns. The use of a circular needle accommodates the increasing number of stitches typical in triangular shawl construction, while the larger needle size for binding off prevents the edge from becoming too tight and restricting the shawl's natural flow.