Noro Asymmetric Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Noro Asymmetric Shawl

What is Being Made

The Noro Asymmetric Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted wrap designed with an asymmetrical silhouette. This seamless shawl features generous finished measurements of approximately 18½ inches (47 centimeters) at its widest point and 54 inches (137 centimeters) at its longest point, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This shawl is constructed using seamless knitting worked flat on needles, allowing for continuous fabric development without seaming. The design incorporates striping created through the combination of two distinct yarns, which adds visual interest and textural variation throughout the piece. The asymmetrical shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases positioned to create the distinctive angled silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs several key knitting techniques and stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – the foundational stitch used in portions of the shawl
• Wave Pattern – a repeating motif worked over a multiple of 8 stitches that creates textural interest. This pattern incorporates yarn overs and strategic knit stitches to produce the wave effect
• Yarn Over (yo) – used to create decorative holes and increase stitches, fundamental to the Wave Pattern
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease used to shape the shawl
• Slip, Slip, Slip, Knit (sssk) – a double decrease that removes two stitches in one operation for more dramatic shaping
• Slip Stitch – used to move stitches without working them, allowing for various construction techniques

Materials and Tools

This shawl requires two distinct yarn types that work together to create the striped effect:

• Yarn A: 2 skeins of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in colorway #069 Lilac Pink – a soft, luxurious fiber blend
• Yarn B: 2 hanks of Noro Shiraito in #18 – providing contrasting texture and visual interest
• Needles: One pair of size US 5 (3.75 millimeters) straight needles for flat knitting, plus one size US 5 (3.75 millimeters) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100 centimeters) long
• Notions: Four removable stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The stockinette stitch gauge using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (Yarn A) should measure 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked on size US 5 (3.75 millimeters) needles. The Wave Pattern using Noro Shiraito (Yarn B) should measure 20 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters) and 23 rows over 3¾ inches (9.5 centimeters) on the same needle size. Taking time to check both gauges before beginning ensures the finished shawl will meet the specified measurements.