Noro Rectangular Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Noro Rectangular Shawl

What is Being Made

This project creates a rectangular shawl with finished measurements of approximately 15 x 67 inches (38 x 170 centimeters). The shawl is designed as an intermediate-level knitting pattern, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns and techniques.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Noro Rectangular Shawl employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished design:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The shawl is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to see the piece develop as they progress.
• Seamless Construction: This shawl is worked seamlessly, meaning no seaming is required after completion, resulting in a smooth, unified fabric.
• Worked Flat: Despite using a circular needle, the piece is worked flat back and forth in rows rather than in the round, with the circular needle accommodating the large number of stitches.
• Cable Patterns: Cable stitches are incorporated into the design, adding textural interest and visual depth to the rectangular shawl.
• Striped Colorwork: The pattern features stripes, which are created using the variegated properties of the Noro yarn or intentional color changes throughout the piece.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes various knitting stitches and techniques to achieve its final appearance:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used, worked over which the gauge is measured at 11 stitches and 16 rows to 4 inches (10 centimeters).
• Cable Stitches: Worked using a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like texture elements throughout the shawl.
• Yarn Overs (yo): Used to create decorative holes and lacy elements within the pattern.
• Decreases: Techniques such as slip, slip, knit (ssk) are used to shape the shawl and create stitch pattern definition.
• Selvage Stitches: Edge stitches worked to create neat, seaming-friendly edges.
• Pick Up and Knit: Used to add stitches along edges, particularly useful for the shawl's construction method.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Noro Rectangular Shawl pattern requires specific materials to achieve the correct gauge and finished appearance:

• Yarn: Four 200-gram balls of Noro Bachi in colorway #01. Noro yarns are known for their variegated color patterns and unique blend of fibers, which contribute to the striped appearance and visual interest of the finished shawl.
• Knitting Needles: One size US 11 (8mm) circular needle, 32 inches (80 centimeters) long. The circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches required for the shawl's width, though the piece is worked flat rather than in the round.
• Cable Needle: Required for working the cable stitch patterns that add texture and dimension to the design.
• Crochet Hook: One size US L-11 (8mm) crochet hook, used for finishing techniques or edge work as specified in the pattern instructions.
• Stitch Markers: Essential tools for marking pattern repeats and important stitch positions throughout the knitting process.

Pattern Notes and Gauge

Proper gauge is essential for this project. Knitters should achieve 11 stitches and 16 rows to 4 inches (10 centimeters) over stockinette stitch using size US 11 (8mm) needles. The pattern notes recommend using LYKKE® needles and hooks for best results. The circular needle is used solely to accommodate the large number of stitches; the piece is not joined and remains worked flat throughout. The pattern includes charted instructions with "no stitch" indicators showing where stitches have been decreased or not yet made, requiring knitters to skip over shaded spaces on the charts.