Pucallpa Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Pucallpa Shawl by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Pucallpa Shawl is a triangular wrap designed by Lisa Richardson, crafted from Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn. This finished wrap measures 60 cm (23½ inches) wide and 200 cm (78½ inches) long, making it a generous accessory suitable for draping around the shoulders or wearing as a lightweight wrap. The shawl is photographed in Snowflake White 115, showcasing the delicate stitch pattern against a neutral backdrop.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses 11 x 25gm balls of Rowan Alpaca Classic, a luxurious alpaca yarn that provides softness and warmth. The pattern is worked on 3¾mm (US 5) needles. The yarn choice contributes to the shawl's elegant drape and refined appearance, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Pucallpa Shawl employs a repeating 12-row stitch pattern that creates an intricate lace effect throughout the wrap. The pattern combines several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Yarn forward (yfwd) – creates deliberate eyelet holes that form the lace design
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease that balances the yarn forwards for an open, airy fabric
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (Sl 1, K1, psso) – a left-leaning decrease used in alternating pattern rows
• Garter stitch edges – the selvage stitches (K1 at beginning and end of rows) create neat, finished edges
• Stockinette stitch base – purl rows between pattern rows form the foundation fabric

The pattern repeats across the width of the wrap, with rows 1 through 6 forming one section and rows 7 through 12 forming another. This creates a balanced, symmetrical lace pattern that develops as the wrap grows in length. The shawl is cast on with 145 stitches and worked continuously until it reaches approximately 200 cm in length.

Finishing Details

The Pucallpa Shawl features a decorative picot cast-off along the final edge, adding a refined, scalloped finish to the wrap. This cast-off technique involves casting on and binding off stitches in a specific sequence to create small decorative points. The pattern specifies that the finished wrap should not be pressed, preserving the natural texture and drape of the alpaca yarn.

Skill Level and Tension

Rated as advanced beginner, this shawl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace patterns and multiple decreasing techniques. Achieving the correct tension is essential: the pattern requires 24 stitches and 35 rows to measure 10 cm over the stitch pattern using 3¾mm needles. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch in the pattern stitch before beginning the full project to ensure proper sizing and fabric characteristics.