Fiorella Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Fiorella Shawl in Berroco Gianna

What is Being Made

The Fiorella is a beginner-friendly knitted shawl designed by Mel Kennelly. This versatile wrap is constructed as a rectangular piece that is folded and seamed to create a functional neck opening, transforming a simple rectangle into a wearable shawl garment. The finished dimensions vary by size: Size 1 measures approximately 22" x 46" (56 cm x 117 cm), Size 2 measures approximately 24" x 54" (61 cm x 137 cm), and Size 3 measures approximately 26" x 62" (66 cm x 157.5 cm) before seaming. The shawl is designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 32–44" (81–112 cm) in Size 1, 44–56" (112–142 cm) in Size 2, and 56–68" (142–173 cm) in Size 3.

Techniques Used

The Fiorella employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The construction method involves knitting a long rectangular panel as a single piece, then strategically folding and seaming the fabric to create the finished shawl shape with an intentional neck opening. The initial cast-on and final bind-off edges are matched together with the fold at the top, and seaming is worked along the right edges for approximately 11–19" (28–48.5 cm) depending on size, while the final 12" (30.5 cm) is deliberately left unsewn to form the neck opening. This innovative construction approach transforms a simple rectangle into a shaped, wearable garment without requiring complex shaping techniques.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch pattern throughout the shawl, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-textured fabric
• Garter Stitch: Used for the border detail, created by knitting every row; a 3-stitch garter border is worked at each edge (cast-on, bind-off, and side edges) to provide a finished appearance and prevent curling
• Seaming: Used during finishing to join the folded edges together, creating the functional neck opening and shaping the rectangular fabric into the final shawl form

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: Berroco Gianna, a yarn that comes in 100 g balls. The pattern calls for 3 balls for Size 1, 4 balls for Size 2, and 5 balls for Size 3, all in colorway #9112 Foliage. Berroco Gianna is the recommended yarn for this pattern to ensure proper gauge and finished measurements.

Needles: Size 8 (5 mm) knitting needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Needle selection is crucial for achieving the correct fabric density and finished dimensions.

Notions: A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and seaming the edges together during the finishing process.

Gauge: The pattern specifies 19 stitches and 30 rows over 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch, measured after blocking. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper fit.