Phoenix Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Phoenix Shawl in Rowan Felted Tweed Colour

What is Being Made

The Phoenix Shawl is a triangular knitted wrap designed by Lisa Richardson. This intermediate-level shawl features a generous wingspan of approximately 170 centimeters with a height of approximately 47 centimeters, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a traditional shawl.

Techniques Used

This shawl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and structure. The design incorporates jacquard colorwork, a method of working with multiple yarn colors within rows to create a patterned fabric. The jacquard pattern is worked in stockinette stitch (knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side), creating a smooth, refined surface for the colorwork to display clearly.

Strategic increases and decreases are used to shape the triangular silhouette. Increases are executed using yarn-over increases worked with the color specified in the pattern grid, while decreases are formed by knitting two stitches together. All shaping occurs at the beginning of right-side rows, positioned three stitches from the edge, while the remaining edges remain straight. A garter stitch border of three stitches frames each side of the shawl, providing a finished edge and structural stability.

The shawl begins with a small cast-on that is gradually increased through the initial setup rows, then transitions into the main jacquard pattern section where shaping continues. The pattern concludes with additional garter stitch rows worked in a single color after the jacquard section is complete.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch for the jacquard colorwork sections, created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Garter stitch: Used for the three-stitch borders on each side and for the final rows, created by knitting every row
• Yarn-over increases: Decorative increases worked with the appropriate yarn color as indicated in the pattern grid
• Knit two together: A decrease method used to shape the shawl
• Twisted stitches: Used in the initial setup rows to establish the foundation

Materials

The Phoenix Shawl is worked using Rowan Felted Tweed Colour yarn, a premium wool blend available in multiple colorways. The pattern requires three colors from this yarn line: Chestnut 024, Chartreuse 028, and Amethyst 026. Each color is used in 50-gram quantities, allowing crafters to create striking color combinations within the jacquard pattern.

The shawl is knitted on size 4 knitting needles (one pair). The recommended gauge is 25 stitches and 26 rows over 10 centimeters when working jacquard colorwork on size 4 needles, ensuring the finished shawl achieves the intended dimensions and drape.

Pattern Details

The jacquard pattern repeats over 6 stitches and 36 rows, though only rows 11 through 46 of the grid are repeated during the main shawl body. This creates a sophisticated, repeating motif across the width of the finished piece. The pattern requires careful attention to color placement as indicated in the provided grid, with increases and decreases integrated seamlessly into the colorwork design.

Finishing involves pressing the completed shawl according to the accompanying information sheet, which helps set the stitches and enhance the drape characteristic of felted tweed yarns.