Infrared Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Infrared Shawl by Chloe Thurlow

What is Being Made

The Infrared Shawl is a triangular knitted wrap designed by Chloe Thurlow. The completed shawl measures approximately 104 centimeters (41 inches) along the upper edge and 52 centimeters (20½ inches) deep at the centre, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Craft and Techniques

This is an intermediate-level knitting project that employs several advanced shawl-construction techniques. The pattern uses double-stranded yarn throughout, which creates a more substantial fabric and allows for interesting color combinations. The shawl is worked flat in rows using the top-down triangular construction method, a popular approach for shawls that allows knitters to try on the piece as it grows and adjust the final size if desired.

The pattern incorporates stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases. As the number of stitches increases significantly during construction, the instructions note that knitters may prefer to transition from straight needles to circular needles worked backwards and forwards in rows, a practical technique for managing larger stitch counts.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Infrared Shawl combines multiple stitch techniques to create visual interest and texture:

• Stocking stitch (knit and purl rows worked alternately) forms the foundation fabric in certain sections
• Lace pattern created using yarn-forward increases (yfwd) paired with decreases, producing openwork sections that add elegance and drape
• Yarn-forward decreases (K2tog and yfwd combinations) that create directional lace motifs
• Slip-stitch edge (sl 1) worked at the beginning of rows to create a neat, finished selvage
• Make-one increases (M1) positioned strategically for shaping and increasing stitch count

The pattern alternates between plain rows and patterned rows, with lace sections appearing in specific repeat sequences (rows 25 to 32 are repeated multiple times), allowing the knitter to establish a rhythm while building the triangular shape.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Infrared Shawl is knitted using Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxury yarn blend known for its delicate drape and subtle sheen. The pattern requires two 25-gram balls of Kidsilk Haze in two coordinating colorways:

• Yarn A: Verdant 725 (2 balls)
• Yarn B: Alhambra 666 (2 balls)

Both yarns are held double throughout the project, meaning two strands are worked together simultaneously. This doubling technique creates a more robust fabric weight while maintaining the characteristic softness and flow of Kidsilk Haze.

The pattern calls for 4mm (US size 6) needles. Knitters are advised to use a single pair of straight needles initially, with the option to switch to circular needles as the stitch count increases—a practical consideration for managing the growing width of the triangular shawl.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving proper tension is important for this project. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch pattern being worked:

• 20 stitches × 28 rows over 10 centimeters in stocking stitch, using 4mm needles with yarn held double, measured after blocking
• 20 stitches × 36 rows over 10 centimeters in lace pattern, using 4mm needles with yarn held double

Blocking after completion is recommended to even out the stitches and help the lace pattern bloom, which is particularly important when working with delicate yarns like Kidsilk Haze.