Juniper Moon Farm Ria Salado Wrap Knitting Pattern

Juniper Moon Farm Ria Salado Circular Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Ria Salado is a circular shawl designed by Tabetha Hedrick, featuring a finished diameter of 50 inches (127 cm) and a circumference of 157 inches (399 cm). This downloadable knitting pattern creates a substantial wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory. The shawl's generous size and construction method make it an ideal project for knitters seeking to expand their circular shawl repertoire.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs lace knitting and is worked in the round from the center outward, a construction method that allows for continuous expansion without seaming. The center-out approach begins with a small cast-on of 8 stitches on double-pointed needles, gradually increasing to accommodate the growing stitch count by transitioning to circular needles as the diameter expands. This technique requires careful stitch marker placement to maintain pattern accuracy throughout the increase rounds.

The pattern incorporates strategic increases using yarn overs positioned at marked intervals, which create the geometric expansion necessary for a circular shawl. Knitters must maintain stitch markers between double yarnovers on increase rounds to prevent errors and ensure proper pattern alignment. The shawl is blocked to finished measurements after completion to achieve the intended dimensions and to open up the lace pattern.

Stitches Used

The Ria Salado pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create lace effects:

• Knit stitch (k) forms the stockinette base sections
• Yarn overs (yo) create the decorative lace openings and serve as increase stitches
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases stitches and shapes the lace pattern
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) provides additional texture and stitch manipulation
• Slip marker (sm) maintains stitch marker placement at key pattern points

The pattern repeats rounds 3 through 6 throughout the shawl's construction, with each 4-round repeat increasing the stitch count by 8 stitches. This systematic repetition creates a balanced, symmetrical lace pattern that radiates from the center point.

Materials

The Ria Salado pattern calls for 5 skeins of Juniper Moon Farm Zooey Aran yarn, each weighing 100 grams, in colorway #1007 Sun Dance. Zooey Aran is a worsted-weight yarn suitable for the gauge requirements of this project. Needles required include US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) for the main body of the shawl and US 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles for the initial center cast-on. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a cable needle for any cable work if desired, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and increase points.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 25 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements, and knitters are advised to swatch and check gauge before beginning the project. The shawl is bound off very loosely knitwise to prevent edge tightness and maintain the open, flowing character of the finished piece.