Modern Cable Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Modern Cable Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand

Project Overview

The Modern Cable Shawl is an oversize scarf designed by Lion Brand that functions as both a versatile wrap and a winter shawl. This experienced-level knitting project creates a textured accessory measuring approximately 19 x 55 inches (48.5 x 139.5 cm), offering substantial coverage for layering and styling throughout the colder months.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern showcases advanced cable knitting techniques that create visual depth and dimensional texture. The primary construction features traveling cable patterns that form the foundation of the shawl's design.

• Cable Crosses: The pattern employs two main cable crossing techniques. The 4/2 3/3 LC (2 3 over 4 3 left cross) involves slipping 4 to 3 stitches onto a cable needle and holding it in front, then knitting 2 to 3 stitches before knitting the held stitches from the cable needle. The 4/2 3/3 RC (2 3 over 4 3 right cross) reverses this process by holding the cable needle in back, creating right-leaning cable twists.
• Faux Cables: The pattern incorporates decorative faux cable sections that are created through a wrapping technique rather than traditional cable stitching. These faux cables naturally curl toward the right side (knit side) of the fabric, adding textural interest without the complexity of continuous cable manipulation.
• Eyelet Details: Strategic eyelets are worked into the pattern, serving as anchor points for the faux cable wrapping technique and creating openwork accents throughout the design.

Faux Cable Wrapping Technique

A distinctive feature of this pattern is the faux cable wrapping method, which adds embellishment after the main knitting is complete. Using a 90-inch length of yarn threaded through a blunt needle, crafters draw the yarn through eyelets from wrong side to right side, then wrap it around the faux cable sections in a specific sequence. The yarn is woven from the wrong side to the right side through the cable, then back through the same eyelet, and up through the next eyelet. This process is repeated across the entire length of the scarf for both left and right faux cable sections, creating a dimensional wrapped effect. Alternatively, shorter yarn lengths can be used and knotted as each section is completed.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun yarn in the Pearls colorway, a bulky weight yarn composed of 98% acrylic and 2% polyester. Five balls of the standard 6-ounce pull skein package (185 yards per ball) provide the 790 yards of yarn needed for the complete project. The recommended circular knitting needle is size 10 (6 mm) with a 60-inch length, allowing ample space for the wide shawl construction. Cable needles from Lion Brand facilitate the cable crossing techniques, while split ring stitch markers help track pattern repeats. Large-eye blunt needles are essential for the faux cable wrapping finishing technique.

The pattern gauge is 14 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the Traveling Cable pattern. Achieving proper gauge is critical to ensure the finished shawl meets the intended dimensions and drapes appropriately.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Designated as an experienced-level pattern, this project is best suited for knitters with solid foundational skills and prior experience working cable stitches and managing multiple techniques within a single project. The pattern includes corrections applied as of November 5, 2013, ensuring accuracy in the cable chart and stitch instructions. The combination of traditional cable crosses, traveling cable patterns, and the specialized faux cable wrapping technique makes this an engaging project for advanced crafters seeking to expand their textural knitting repertoire.