Koigu The Hall Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

The Hall Shawl by Janice Sumpton

What Is Being Made

The Hall Shawl is a rectangular knitted wrap designed by Janice Sumpton and inspired by the creativity of Barb Hall and Betty Kruspe. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a finished shawl measuring 58.5 inches by 12 inches after blocking, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Knitting Techniques

This shawl is constructed using several key knitting techniques that make it accessible and visually interesting:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The shawl is worked from the cast-on edge upward, allowing knitters to easily adjust length if desired before binding off.
• Seamless Design: The entire shawl is worked as a single piece with no seaming required, simplifying the construction process.
• Worked Flat: The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it straightforward for knitters of various skill levels.
• Striped Colorwork: The shawl features a striking striped design created by working with ten different yarn colors in sequence, with each color section repeated through the pattern rows before transitioning to the next color.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Hall Shawl employs a simple yet effective stitch pattern that creates visual texture and interest. The pattern consists of six rows that are repeated throughout the project:

• Row 1: Knit 4, Purl 4 across the row, ending with Knit 4
• Row 2: Purl 4, Knit 4 across the row, ending with Purl 4
• Row 3: Purl 2, then Knit 4, Purl 4 pattern across, ending with Purl 2
• Row 4: Repeat Row 3 (Purl 2, Knit 4, Purl 4 pattern, ending with Purl 2)
• Row 5: Repeat Row 2 (Purl 4, Knit 4 pattern across, ending with Purl 4)
• Row 6: Repeat Row 1 (Knit 4, Purl 4 pattern across, ending with Knit 4)

This six-row sequence is worked twice with each color (12 rows total per color), then the pattern repeats with the next color in the sequence. The alternating knit and purl stitches create a subtle textured surface that complements the vibrant color changes.

Materials and Gauge

The Hall Shawl is designed to be knitted with one Koigu Pencil Pack, which contains ten 25-gram balls of pencil yarn, each providing 87 yards (80 meters) of yarn. The yarn is 100% Merino wool, offering softness, breathability, and excellent drape for a finished shawl. Knitters will need 3.25mm needles to achieve the correct gauge.

The recommended gauge is 26 stitches by 40 rows equals 10 centimeters by 10 centimeters (4 inches by 4 inches) in pattern stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the shawl to reach its intended finished measurements. The pattern begins with casting on 332 stitches using color A on 3.25mm needles.

Finishing

Once all pattern rows are complete and the final color is cast off in pattern, the shawl requires minimal finishing. Knitters should sew in all yarn ends and then block the completed shawl to even out the stitches and set the final dimensions to the specified 58.5 inches by 12 inches.