Malabrigo Kenmare Wrap Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Kenmare Cable-Edged Crescent Shawl

What is Being Made

The Malabrigo Kenmare is a cable-edged crescent shawl designed by Lynette Meek. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated wrap measuring 70 inches in width and approximately 19½ inches in length at the center back. The crescent shape and cable detailing make it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs multiple advanced knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive construction and appearance:

• Cable knitting forms the decorative edging that frames the shawl
• Lace work is incorporated throughout the body, creating openwork sections that add visual interest and drape
• Short row shaping using the wrap and turn method (w&t) constructs the crescent silhouette, allowing the knitter to shape the fabric without casting off and on
• Increases worked strategically on right-side rows build the width progressively
• Yarn overs create lace motifs and decorative eyelet patterns
• Decreases including p2tog and ssk maintain stitch counts while shaping

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches combined in structured sequences:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the ribbed cable edges and base fabric
• Make one (M1) increases add stitches symmetrically on either side of center markers
• Yarn overs (yo) create lace openings and decorative eyelets
• Purl two together (p2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases balance increases and shape the fabric
• Slip stitch (sl) movements prepare stitches for manipulation
• Rib pattern alternating k2, p2 creates the textured cable-edged borders

Materials and Tools

The Malabrigo Kenmare requires specific materials to achieve the intended gauge and drape:

• Yarn: Sock by Malabrigo in color #854 Abril, merino wool composition. Two skeins are needed, with each skein containing 3½ ounces (100 grams) and approximately 440 yards (402 meters)
• Needles: One size 4 (3.5mm) circular needle, 32 inches (80 centimeters) in length, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Notions: A cable needle (cn) for manipulating cable stitches, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and increases

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) measured over eyelet chart pattern using a size 4 (3.5mm) needle. The pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning. The finished shawl comes in one size, reaching 70 inches in width with a center back length of approximately 19½ inches, making it a generous wrap suitable for various body types.

Construction Method

The shawl is worked flat on circular needles from a small center point outward. The pattern begins with a small number of stitches and increases progressively through strategic placement of make one increases flanking stitch markers. Short rows with wrap and turn techniques shape the crescent form, while the cable-edged borders are maintained throughout. Lace and eyelet patterns emerge as the shawl expands, creating visual texture and movement in the finished fabric.