Nella Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Nella Shawl in Berroco Quechua

What is Being Made

The Nella Shawl is a knitted wrap designed by Alison Green, featuring an intermediate-level construction. This shawl measures approximately 26 inches wide at its widest point and 64 inches long after blocking, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping. The design showcases a structured pattern with decorative cable elements and textured details throughout.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created using the knitting craft. The shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques that add visual interest and dimension to the finished piece. Knitters will work with cable stitches, which create twisted rope-like patterns that add depth and sophistication to the design. The pattern also incorporates yarn overs and decreases to create lace-like openings and shaping. Additionally, the design features a Make Loop technique, which creates decorative loop embellishments on the edges of the shawl, adding an elegant finishing touch.

Stitches Used

The Nella Shawl utilizes several key stitches and stitch abbreviations:

• Garter Stitch – the foundational stitch used throughout much of the shawl, creating a textured, reversible fabric
• 2/2RC (Right Cable) – slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• 2/2LC (Left Cable) – slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• CDD (Central Double Decrease) – a centered decrease that reduces stitches while maintaining pattern symmetry
• Yarn Overs (yo) – create decorative openings and contribute to the shawl's lacy elements
• Knit Front and Back (kfb) – an increase stitch used to expand the shawl as it grows
• Make Loop – a special technique that creates decorative loops by slipping stitches and knitting through the back loop

Materials and Tools

This project requires Berroco Quechua yarn in the colorway #1346 Sandalwood. You will need 5 hanks of this yarn, with each hank weighing 50 grams. Berroco Quechua is a durable, versatile yarn well-suited to shawl construction.

For needles and notions, you will need straight needles in size 6 (4.00 mm), or the size required to obtain proper gauge. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches that define the shawl's pattern. Additionally, 2 stitch markers are needed to track pattern repeats and increases throughout the knitting process.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches in Garter Stitch after blocking. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished shawl meets the intended dimensions. The shawl requires blocking to achieve its final measurements and to properly set the cables and lace elements.