Delphin Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Delphin Shawl in Berroco Modern Cotton DK

What Is Being Made

The Delphin Shawl is a crescent-shaped wrap designed by Hilary Smith Callis. This beginner-friendly knit shawl measures approximately 64½" across the top edge and 17½" down the center back, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders. The distinctive crescent silhouette is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked into the pattern structure.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Delphin Shawl employs a side-to-side construction method, meaning the shawl is knit horizontally from one side to the other rather than from the top down or bottom up. This approach allows the designer to create the crescent shape organically as the piece grows. The pattern combines two stitch patterns worked simultaneously: Garter Stitch and Lace Rib. Increases and decreases are strategically placed at the Lace Rib edge to shape the wrap into its characteristic curved form. The shawl is worked flat on circular needles without joining, giving the knitter flexibility in managing the stitches as the piece expands.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

Two primary stitch patterns create the visual and textural interest of the Delphin Shawl:

• Garter Stitch: A fundamental knitting stitch created by knitting every row, producing a reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch provides structure and stability to the shawl.
• Lace Rib Pattern: A more complex stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2. Row 1 features slip stitch, knit stitches, SSK (slip, slip, knit) decreases, yarn overs worked twice, and knit 2 together increases. Row 2 incorporates purl stitches and creates new stitches from the double yarn overs of the previous row, forming the characteristic lace openings. This two-row repeat creates an elegant, airy texture with vertical ribbed elements.

Additional techniques include yarn overs for lace construction, slip stitches for edge definition, and standard decreases (SSK and k2tog) to shape the piece.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Delphin Shawl calls for Berroco Modern Cotton DK, a fingering-weight yarn from the Berroco portfolio. The project requires 2 hanks (200 grams total) in colorway #6621 Warbler. Berroco Modern Cotton DK is a 100% cotton yarn, making this shawl an excellent choice for warm-weather wear or those preferring plant-based fibers.

Needles and notions include a 24–40" circular needle in size 4 (3.5 mm) or the size needed to achieve proper gauge, and at least one stitch marker to separate pattern sections. The circular needle accommodates the growing width of the shawl as it expands during side-to-side construction.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies three different gauges depending on the stitch pattern being measured: 20 stitches and 28 rows equals 4" in Garter Stitch; 17 stitches and 25 rows equals 4" in Lace Rib pattern; and 22 stitches and 28 rows equals 4" in Stockinette Stitch. Knitters are strongly encouraged to swatch and check gauge before beginning to ensure the finished shawl meets the intended dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as an Easy or beginner project, the Delphin Shawl is accessible to knitters new to the craft while still offering opportunities to develop skills in lace knitting and shaping techniques. The straightforward construction and clear stitch pattern repeats make this an ideal project for building confidence in intermediate techniques.