Douglass Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Douglass Shawl in Malabrigo Rastita

What Is Being Made

The Douglass Shawl is an offset triangle shawl designed by Judy Marples. This knitted wrap features asymmetrical proportions, measuring 19 inches wide at its widest point, 49 inches along the shorter edge, and 70 inches along the longer edge. The generous dimensions make it suitable for layering or wrapping, offering both style and warmth for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential shawl-construction techniques. The pattern uses yarn overs to create decorative increases that shape the garment and add visual interest. Decreases are strategically placed to maintain stitch counts and control the shawl's geometry. The design incorporates slip stitches worked with yarn in back, which create textural definition without adding bulk. The shawl is constructed in distinct sections: a color-blocked body segment, a lace border worked from charted patterns, and a garter stitch hem, demonstrating how multiple techniques combine to create a cohesive finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Douglass Shawl uses a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches. Stockinette stitch forms the base of the main body sections. Garter stitch appears in the hem detail, creating a reversible, textured edge. The pattern incorporates yarn overs paired with knit two together and knit three together through the back loop decreases to balance increases and shape the triangle. Slip stitches worked with yarn held in back add visual texture without increasing stitch count. The lace border is worked from charted stitch patterns, combining yarn overs with decreases to create an openwork design. Additional techniques include make one open increases and knit through the back loop stitches for shaping.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This project is worked in Rastita by Malabrigo, a yarn produced by Malabrigo Yarn in Montevideo, Uruguay. The pattern calls for 2 hanks each in color #43 Plomo (A) and #850 Archangel (B), with each hank containing 3½ ounces and approximately 310 yards of yardage. The two-color construction allows for creative color blocking within the design.

The shawl is knitted on a size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches long, or a needle size adjusted to obtain proper gauge. Circular needles are ideal for shawl construction, as they accommodate the increasing stitch count as the triangle expands. The pattern specifies two gauges: 16 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches over stockinette stitch, and 16 stitches and 25 rows equal 4 inches over lace pattern stitch when worked with the size 7 needle. Finishing requires a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and blocking t-pins for shaping the completed shawl during the blocking process.

Skill Level and Pattern Structure

Rated as Intermediate difficulty, the Douglass Shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle charted lace patterns and shaping techniques. The pattern is organized in clear sections: an initial color-blocked segment, followed by alternating 16-row lace border sections worked from two different charts, and concluding with a garter stitch hem. This structured progression allows knitters to develop confidence with each section before moving forward.