Malabrigo Minetta Wrap Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Minetta: Lace Trim Triangle Shawl

What is Being Made

The Malabrigo Minetta is a lace trim triangle shawl designed by Candace Eisner Strick. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated wrap measuring 46 inches wide and 20 inches long at the center after blocking. The shawl features a distinctive construction method that begins at the center of the top edge and increases in a triangle shape up to the lace edge, making it an elegant accessory suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques

The Minetta employs several advanced knitting techniques that work together to create its refined appearance:

• Top-Down Construction: The shawl is knit beginning at the centerline of the top edge, with increases worked throughout to form the triangular silhouette
• Seamless Knitting: The piece is worked as one continuous unit without seams, creating a smooth, polished finish
• Worked in the Round: The shawl utilizes circular needles to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the triangle expands
• Stripe Patterning: Color stripes are incorporated during the initial construction phase, alternating between two yarn colors before transitioning to the lace pattern
• Lace Edging: A charted lace pattern forms the decorative trim along the edges, with the chart repeated twice to create symmetrical lace details

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates several key stitches and techniques essential to the design:

• Garter Stitch: Forms the foundation of the shawl with a gauge of 21 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches using size 6 needles
• Yarn Overs (yo): Used for both shaping increases and creating openwork in the lace pattern
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): Employed in the bind-off edge for a decorative finish
• Slip Stitches: Used during bind-off to create a refined edge
• Charted Lace Pattern: An 11-stitch repeat worked across the width, repeated 12 times per row, with increases incorporated throughout rows 1 through 20 of the chart
• Selvedge Stitches: Two edge stitches maintained on each side for a clean border

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Minetta is designed to be knit with Malabrigo Sock yarn, a premium washable merino wool blend. The pattern requires two hanks total, each measuring 3½ ounces (100 grams) and containing approximately 440 yards (402 meters) of yarn:

• Color A: 1 hank in #204 Velvet Grapes
• Color B: 1 hank in #005 Aniversario

The super-wash merino wool construction provides durability and easy care, making this shawl practical for regular wear while maintaining its elegant appearance.

Tools and Notions

Beyond yarn, the Minetta requires the following supplies:

• One size 6 (4mm) circular needle, 29 inches (74 centimeters) long, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and increases
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Flexible blocking wire for shaping the finished shawl

Pattern Structure and Construction Details

The Minetta follows a carefully structured progression. The shawl begins with stripe patterning, alternating 2 rows of color B with varying lengths of color A (2 rows, 10 rows, and 16 rows in sequence). This stripe section establishes 261 stitches, which increases to 267 stitches in the next row. Yarn overs are then introduced at each edge to begin shaping the triangle.

Once the stripe section is complete, the charted lace pattern takes over. The chart is worked twice through its 20-row sequence, creating symmetrical lace details. The center stitch remains constant throughout, with 176 stitches in the lace pattern on each side of this center point. By the