Rachel Brown Latticewing Wrap Knitting Pattern

Rachel Brown Latticewing Knit Shawl

What Is Being Made

Latticewing is a luxurious knit shawl designed by Rachel C. Brown, perfect for showcasing fingering weight yarn or special handspun fibers. This cozy wrap combines the meditative quality of garter stitch with an elegant geometric lace border, creating a garment that is both visually interesting and wonderfully warm. The shawl is available in two sizes: Small, measuring approximately 15 inches (38 cm) deep and 87 inches (221 cm) along the longest edge after blocking, and Large, measuring approximately 19 inches (48.5 cm) deep and 112 inches (284.5 cm) along the longest edge. The lace edging adds approximately 5 inches (13 cm) of depth to the finished piece.

Techniques Used

Latticewing is worked flat using fundamental knitting techniques combined with lace shaping. The pattern employs a garter tab cast on to begin the project, establishing a clean foundation. The shawl body is constructed using straightforward increases and decreases, allowing knitters to expand the piece gradually while maintaining structural integrity. The geometric lace border incorporates yarn overs to create openwork details that contrast beautifully with the solid garter stitch body. The pattern is designed to be adaptable, allowing knitters to work with whatever yardage they have available, making it an excellent project for using up precious yarn stashes or showcasing handspun fibers.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: The primary stitch throughout the shawl body, created by knitting every row. This produces a reversible, textured fabric with a comforting, meditative rhythm.
• Yarn overs: Used in the lace border to create decorative openwork and geometric patterning.
• Increases: Make 1 stitches (m1) are used to expand the shawl. The pattern specifies lifting the bar between the just-worked stitch and the next stitch using the left needle, going from front to back, then knitting this new stitch through the back loop.
• Decreases: Used to shape the lace border and create geometric definition.

Materials Required

Latticewing calls for fingering weight yarn in either of two quantities depending on size selection. The Small size requires 2 skeins or approximately 400 yards of fingering weight yarn, while the Large size requires 3 skeins or approximately 600 yards. The pattern samples were knit using The Fibre Company Canopy Fingering, a blend of 50% alpaca, 30% merino, and 20% bamboo, in the colorway "Fern" for the small size. The large sample was created using 2-ply heavy fingering weight handspun Shetland wool in the colorway "Porpoise Fur" and natural grey. The shawl body uses approximately 210 yards (192 meters) for the Small size or 320 yards (293 meters) for the Large size, with the edging requiring approximately 190 yards (174 meters) for Small or 280 yards (256 meters) for Large.

Needles required include US 5/3.75 mm needles, available as either a 40-inch (102 cm) circular needle or straight needles, depending on knitter preference. Needle size should be adjusted as needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions. The shawl benefits from blocking to open up the lace border and even out the garter stitch texture, revealing the full geometric beauty of the design.