Compass Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Compass Shawl in Rowan Brushed Fleece

What is Being Made

The Compass Shawl is a generous knitted wrap designed by Martin Storey. This rectangular shawl measures approximately 230cm (90½ inches) in length by 52cm (20½ inches) in width, making it an ideal accessory for layering and warmth. The finished dimensions provide ample coverage for draping across the shoulders or wrapping around the body.

Craft and Skill Level

This is an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with stitch patterns and multiple needle sizes. The pattern requires understanding of yarn overs, decreases, and pattern repeats, but does not involve complex shaping or advanced construction methods.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Compass Shawl features a repeating four-row lace pattern that creates an elegant, open texture:

• Knit stitches (K) – the foundation stitch
• Purl stitches (P) – used for edge rows and reverse stockinette sections
• Yarn overs (yfwd) – creates the decorative openwork characteristic of lace knitting
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease that balances the yarn overs
• Garter stitch – worked at the beginning and end of the shawl for a finished edge

The core pattern repeats every four rows: Row 1 alternates K2tog with yarn overs, Row 2 is purled, Row 3 reverses the yarn over and K2tog placement, and Row 4 is purled. This creates a symmetrical, geometric lace pattern that gives the shawl its distinctive appearance.

Materials and Tools

The Compass Shawl is knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn, a soft and luxurious fiber. The pattern requires six 50-gram balls of yarn (photographed in the colorway Briar 281). Two needle sizes are used during construction:

• 5mm (US 8) needles – used for the initial cast-on and garter stitch borders at both ends of the shawl
• 6mm (US 10) needles – used for the main body and lace pattern work

The recommended tension is 10 stitches by 16 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when working the pattern stitch on 6mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the proper finished dimensions and drape of the completed shawl.

Construction Method

The shawl is constructed as a flat rectangular piece worked from one end to the other. The pattern begins with casting on 52 stitches using the smaller needles, followed by eight rows of garter stitch for a finished edge. Four stitches are then increased evenly across a row to bring the stitch count to 56 stitches. The work is switched to the larger needles, and the four-row lace pattern is repeated continuously for the main body, which measures 226.5 centimeters in length. At the completion of the pattern section, four stitches are decreased evenly across a row to return to 52 stitches. The shawl concludes with eight rows of garter stitch using the smaller needles before casting off all stitches. This straightforward construction makes it an accessible project for intermediate knitters seeking to develop pattern-working skills.