Cowry Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Cowry Shawl in Berroco Folio & Folio Color

What Is Being Made

The Cowry Shawl is a triangular knitted wrap designed by Alison Green. This intermediate-level shawl measures approximately 72 inches across the longest edge and 58 inches long after blocking, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or draping. The shawl is constructed using a top-down approach, beginning at the widest edge and decreasing to a point at the bottom.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The shawl features decreasing throughout the body to achieve its distinctive triangular silhouette, with decrease rows worked at regular intervals. Slip stitch patterning is used extensively to create texture and color variation without adding bulk to the fabric. The pattern also incorporates color work using two complementary yarn colors that are carried loosely up the side of the work during slip stitch pattern sections. Blocking is an essential finishing step that sets the final dimensions and shape of the completed shawl.

Stitches Used

The Cowry Shawl utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways. Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the base fabric in many sections. The pattern's signature element is the Slip Stitch Pattern, which works over a multiple of 3 stitches and repeats over 4 rows. This pattern alternates between the main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC), with knit stitches and slipped stitches creating a textured, two-color effect. Knit stitches, purl stitches, and knit two together decreases (k2tog) are worked throughout to shape the garment and maintain stitch counts as the shawl tapers toward its point.

Materials

The Cowry Shawl is knitted using Berroco Folio Color and Berroco Folio yarns. The main color (MC) requires 4 balls of Berroco Folio Color in shade #4594 Casco, while the contrasting color (CC) uses 2 balls of Berroco Folio in shade #4534 Mount Desert. Each ball weighs 50 grams. The pattern calls for straight knitting needles in size 6 (4.00 mm), or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Before blocking, the gauge is 21 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, and 21 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in the slip stitch pattern. Knitters are advised to check gauge carefully before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Pattern Notes

The pattern begins with a loose cast-on of 154 stitches and includes 3 garter stitch rows before the slip stitch pattern sections commence. Decrease rows are strategically placed throughout the construction to shape the triangular form. The pattern recommends using the specific Berroco yarns called for in the instructions to ensure the best results, as yarn substitutions may affect the final appearance and drape of the finished shawl.