Filatura Di Crosa Cleopatra Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Filatura Di Crosa Cleopatra Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Cleopatra Shawl is a luxurious triangular wrap designed by Lisa Hoffman. This elegant shawl measures 22 inches wide by 47¼ inches long, making it a versatile accessory suitable for draping over shoulders or wearing as a sophisticated wrap. The shawl is worked in one size and features a refined construction that combines cable and lace techniques for visual interest and texture.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques to create its sophisticated appearance. The primary construction method is seamless knitting worked flat, meaning the piece is created as a single continuous fabric without requiring seaming. Cable work forms a central design element, with cables created using a cable needle to cross stitches over one another. The pattern also incorporates lace techniques, including yarn overs and decreases that create openwork sections. Additional shaping techniques include twisted stitches (Tw3L and Tw3R) that add textural detail while the shawl expands outward, and strategic increases using make-one (M1) techniques to achieve the triangular silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Cleopatra Shawl utilizes a range of fundamental and decorative stitches. Stockinette stitch provides the base fabric structure, while reverse stockinette stitch creates textural contrast. Cable stitches including C4B (cable 4 back) and C4F (cable 4 front) form the pattern's signature elements. Twisted stitches (Tw3L and Tw3R) add dimensional detail. Decreases are worked using knit 2 together (K2tog), purl 2 together (P2tog), and slip-slip-knit (ssk) or slip-slip-purl (ssp) techniques. Yarn overs create lace elements, and the pattern includes increases via make-one (M1) stitches. The pattern repeats over 40 rows, with an 11-stitch panel forming the core cable and lace cable design.

Materials and Gauge

This shawl is worked using two complementary yarns held together throughout, creating a luxurious blend. The first yarn is Filatura Di Crosa SUPERIOR, a premium blend of 70% cashmere, 25% schappe silk, and 5% extrafine merino wool. Three balls are required, with each ball containing 0.88 ounces and 330 yards of yardage. The second yarn is Filatura Di Crosa NIRVANA, composed of 100% mercerized extrafine merino wool, also requiring three balls with 0.88 ounces and 372 yards per ball. The combination of these two yarns creates a sophisticated fabric with excellent drape and luxurious hand-feel.

The shawl is knitted on size 6 (4mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches long, along with a cable needle for cable work and a yarn needle for finishing. Gauge is critical for this project: 20 stitches and 30½ rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch, while 26½ stitches and 30½ rows equal 4 inches in Aran cable. Knitters should take time to check both gauges before beginning, as accurate gauge ensures the finished shawl achieves the intended measurements and drape.