Classic Elite Yarns Foster Wrap Knitting Pattern

Foster Shawl by Classic Elite Yarns

What Is Being Made

Foster is a top-down triangular shawl designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Legend 1708A. This seamless wrap is worked flat on circular needles using a combination of full-width rows and strategic short rows to create a tapered, asymmetrical shape. The finished piece features garter stitch construction with distinctive color-blocked stripes that add visual interest to this intermediate-level knitting project.

Construction and Techniques

The shawl employs a top-down, seamless construction method that begins with a small starting tab. Rather than using traditional wraps at short-row turning points, the pattern relies on garter stitch "valleys" to conceal any gaps that may form, simplifying the technical execution. The piece is worked back and forth in rows on a circular needle—the circular needle is used primarily to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shawl grows, not for working in the round.

The shaping progresses through distinct sections:

• A starting tab that is picked up and knit to establish the foundation
• A first garter section worked entirely in one color using the Garter Triangle pattern stitch
• A first short-row section introducing a second color and creating tapered shaping through partial-row decreases
• Transition rows that reestablish full-width knitting across all stitches

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch throughout is garter stitch, created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch provides excellent drape and texture while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters. The shawl uses a repeating Garter Triangle pattern stitch that incorporates yarn overs and slip markers to create symmetrical increases on either side of center stitches. The pattern structure is straightforward: Row 1 (right side) includes yarn overs for lace increases, while Row 2 (wrong side) is worked in plain knit stitches.

Short rows are strategically placed to create the tapered effect. These rows are worked over only a portion of the stitches, with turning points that are left unwrapped—a technique made possible because the surrounding garter stitch texture effectively hides any small gaps that might otherwise be visible.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern is designed for use with Classic Elite Yarns products, though specific yardage and yarn weight information is referenced in the complete pattern instructions. The project requires two colors (designated as color A and color B in the instructions), allowing for creative color selection. Needles used are circular needles in an appropriate size for the chosen yarn, sized to comfortably accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands from the initial 8 stitches to 45 stitches and beyond.

Skill Level and Finished Dimensions

Foster is rated as an Intermediate skill-level project, suitable for knitters with experience in basic stitches and shaping techniques. The pattern includes finished measurements, though specific dimensions are detailed in the complete downloadable PDF pattern from Classic Elite Yarns.