Madlen Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Madlen Shawl in Berroco Artisan

What Is Being Made

The Madlen Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted wrap designed by Brenda York. This triangular shawl features finished measurements of approximately 70 inches wide by 28 inches down the center after blocking. The design combines a geometric square center section with two symmetrical wings, creating an elegant and versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and styling options.

Construction Technique

The Madlen Shawl employs a distinctive construction method that begins with a square worked in the round using double-pointed needles. After completing the center square, stitches are strategically picked up along one side edge to establish the foundation for the right wing. Following the completion of the right wing, additional stitches are picked up along the cast-on edge of that wing and along the next side edge of the square to create the left wing. This modular approach allows for controlled shaping and ensures balanced proportions throughout the finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. Key stitch elements include:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary fabric stitch used throughout the shawl, worked flat and in the round
• Garter Stitch – Employed in specific sections, particularly when working on wrong-side rows
• Yarn Overs (yo) – Decorative and structural increases that create lace-like openings and contribute to the shawl's elegant drape
• Sliding Loop – A specialized cast-on technique used to begin the center square worked in the round, allowing for seamless circular knitting without a visible seam
• Stripe Sequence – A planned color-work pattern used throughout the wing sections, alternating between the main color and contrasting color to create visual interest

Materials and Yarn

The Madlen Shawl is designed to showcase Berroco Artisan yarn, a premium fiber choice for this project. The yarn requirements include 4 hanks of Berroco Artisan in colorway #6029 Caspian Sea (main color) and 2 hanks in colorway #6044 Arctic Ocean (contrasting color). Each hank weighs 50 grams, providing ample yardage for the complete shawl. The color combination of Caspian Sea and Arctic Ocean creates a sophisticated ocean-inspired palette with cool, calming tones.

Needles and Tools

Successful completion of the Madlen Shawl requires the following equipment:

• One set of five double-pointed knitting needles (dpns) in size 8 (5.00 mm) for working the center square in the round
• Two circular knitting needles in size 8 (5.00 mm) – one 16 inches in length and one 24 inches in length – for working the wings and managing increased stitch counts as the shawl expands
• One crochet hook in size 4.50 mm (G) for finishing techniques and edge work
• One regular stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings
• One removable stitch marker for flexibility in marking specific stitches or pattern sections

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 22 rows equal 4 inches when worked in Stockinette Stitch. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing. The finished shawl requires blocking to achieve the stated measurements of 70 inches wide by 28 inches down the center, which helps even out stitches and allows the yarn to relax into its final shape.

Skill Level Considerations

Rated as an intermediate project, the Madlen Shawl requires familiarity with fundamental knitting techniques including working in the round on double-pointed needles, reading stitch patterns, managing color changes, and understanding shaping through yarn overs and strategic stitch pickup. The combination of circular knitting for the center square and flat knitting for the wings provides varied technical experience suitable for knitters advancing beyond beginner projects.