Kate Atherley Rosetta Tharpe Wrap Knitting Pattern

Kate Atherley Rosetta Tharpe Shawl

What Is Being Made

The Rosetta Tharpe is a classic lace shawl designed by Kate Atherley and published by Search Press. This downloadable knitting pattern creates an elegant, adjustable wrap inspired by the legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the pioneering gospel and rock and roll performer. The finished sample measures 55 inches across (140cm), though the design is highly customizable based on yarn availability and desired finished size. The shawl combines timeless design elements with contemporary construction techniques, resulting in a piece that is both sophisticated and striking.

Construction Method and Shaping

The Rosetta Tharpe employs Pi shaping, a circular construction method that begins at the center with just nine stitches. The pattern uses increase rounds that double the stitch count at regular intervals, allowing the shawl to grow outward in a seamless, geometric expansion. This top-down, worked-flat approach means knitters begin at the center point and work outward, creating a medallion-style shawl. The pattern is worked in the round, which eliminates the need for purling—a significant advantage for knitters who prefer working on the right side of the fabric continuously.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern requires only basic lace knitting skills, making it accessible to intermediate knitters. The primary techniques used include:

• Lace knitting – The edging features a flexible stitch pattern that can be adjusted based on yarn quantity and desired dimensions
• Seamless construction – The shawl is knitted as one continuous piece with no seaming required
• Circular knitting – Worked in the round from the center outward, eliminating purling rows
• Stockinette stitch – The foundation fabric in the round, which serves as the base for the lace edging

The most challenging aspect of this pattern is the initial small round cast-on, but knitters move past this quickly. The edging stitch pattern is intentionally flexible, allowing crafters to work until they run out of yarn, achieve their desired shawl size, or simply decide they are ready to wear the finished piece.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Rosetta Tharpe pattern calls for 4 skeins of indigodragonfly Uber MerGoat Sport yarn. This luxury blend contains 70% superwash merino, 20% cashmere, and 10% nylon, providing softness, durability, and easy care. Each skein yields 237 meters and weighs 115 grams. The sample shown was worked in the colorway "Cumberbacchanal." The pattern is adaptable to different yarn weights—it can be worked with heavier or finer yarns to customize the finished dimensions.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires 4.5mm needles in multiple formats to accommodate the expanding circumference:

• Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or Magic Loop method for the initial small round cast-on
• 16-inch circular needles for early rounds
• 24-inch circular needles for mid-construction rounds
• 32-inch circular needles for later rounds
• 40-inch circular needles for the final rounds and edging

Additional notions include 6 removable stitch markers (with one in a contrasting color or style to mark the start of round) and blocking pins and mats or other flat surface for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of approximately 15 stitches and 22 rounds per 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch in the round, when blocked. However, the design is forgiving—gauge is not critical as long as the resulting fabric is pleasing to the knitter. The shawl's adjustable nature means that variations in gauge or yarn choice will simply alter the finished dimensions rather than compromise the design. Knitters can work the edging deeper or shallower according to preference, making this pattern highly customizable for individual needs and yarn quantities.