Iris Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Iris Shawl in Berroco Chai

What Is Being Made

The Iris Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted wrap designed by Amy Christoffers. This triangular shawl features finished measurements of approximately 90 inches wide across the top edge by 24 inches down the center, making it a generous accessory suitable for draping over the shoulders or wearing as a decorative wrap. The shawl is worked from a small cast-on and gradually increased to its full width, creating an elegant and wearable garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Iris Shawl employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. The pattern begins with a small cast-on of 6 stitches and uses a set-up chart to establish the shawl's foundation, working through 18 rows to reach 37 stitches. The main body is then constructed by repeating a 4-row pattern chart 38 times, gradually increasing stitches to a final count of 341 stitches. The shawl incorporates yarn overs for decorative lace elements and decreases to shape the fabric. The pattern uses a sewn bind-off technique, which involves threading the yarn through a tapestry needle and passing it through stitches in a specific sequence to create a finished, secure edge. This bind-off method is particularly valued for its flexibility and neat appearance on shawls and wraps.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Iris Shawl is primarily constructed using garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row on the right side and purling every row on the wrong side (or knitting all rows if working flat). This fundamental stitch creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern incorporates the following stitch techniques:

• Yarn overs (YO): These create decorative holes and lace elements throughout the shawl, adding visual interest and lightness to the fabric
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) on the right side and purl 2 together (p2tog) on the wrong side: These right-leaning decreases help shape the shawl and balance the yarn overs
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) on the right side and slip, slip, purl (SSP) on the wrong side: These left-leaning decreases provide additional shaping and create symmetrical decreases opposite the k2tog decreases

The combination of yarn overs with strategic decreases creates a lace pattern that develops as the shawl grows, while the garter stitch base provides structure and stability.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Iris Shawl is designed to be knitted with Berroco Chai, a yarn produced by Berroco, Inc. The pattern requires 5 balls of Berroco Chai in colorway #8626 Delft, with each ball weighing 50 grams. Berroco Chai is the recommended yarn for this project, and using the specified yarn helps ensure accurate finished measurements and proper fabric characteristics.

The project is worked on a 32-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.5 mm), or a needle size adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. Circular needles are ideal for shawl construction as they accommodate the increasing number of stitches without requiring excessively long needles. A tapestry needle is also required for weaving in ends and executing the sewn bind-off technique.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 36 rows equals 4 inches in garter stitch. Checking gauge before beginning the project is essential to ensure the finished shawl meets the intended measurements. After completing the knitting, the shawl should be blocked as desired to even out the stitches and enhance the lace pattern. Blocking allows the yarn to relax and helps achieve the full finished width and drape of the completed wrap.