Reade Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Reade Shawl in Malabrigo Rasta

What is Being Made

The Reade Shawl is a triangular knitted shawl designed by Kalurah Hudson. This wrap features a chunky lace pattern worked from a small cast-on that expands outward to create a large, wearable triangle. The finished shawl measures approximately 52 inches wide by 29 inches long, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Craft and Skill Level

This is a beginner to easy skill level knitting project, making it accessible to newer knitters while remaining engaging for those with intermediate experience. The pattern uses straightforward construction techniques and clear charting to guide the knitter through the design process.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Tab cast-on method: The shawl begins with a small tab that is rotated 90 degrees, and stitches are picked up along the edges to create the foundation for the triangular shape
• Stitch markers: Multiple markers are used to track pattern repeats and the center stitch throughout the project
• Charted lace pattern: The design is worked from a chart showing right-side rows only, with all wrong-side rows purled in stockinette stitch
• Elastic bind-off with picots: The shawl features a decorative elastic bind-off that incorporates picot edging, created by cable casting on and binding off stitches in sequence to form small decorative points along the perimeter
• Blocking: The finished shawl is blocked to measurements with picots pinned out to enhance the lace pattern and create a polished final appearance

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The base fabric used for the shawl body and edge stitches
• Chunky lace pattern: A charted lace motif worked on right-side rows, creating openwork throughout the triangular fabric
• Slip stitch (sl): Used to move stitch markers without working into the stitches
• Knit two together through back loop (k2togtbl): A decrease used in the elastic bind-off technique
• Cable cast-on: Used during the picot bind-off to create the decorative points

Materials and Specifications

The Reade Shawl is designed to be worked in Malabrigo Rasta, a wool yarn that comes in 5.3-ounce (150-gram) hanks, each containing approximately 90 yards (82 meters). This project requires 4 hanks in colorway #706 Cosmos.

The pattern calls for size 17 (12.75mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches (60cm) long, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. Stitch markers are required as notions to track pattern repeats and special stitches throughout the construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 8 stitches and 12 rows to 4 inches (10cm) over stockinette stitch using size 17 needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished shawl meets the intended measurements of approximately 52 inches wide by 29 inches long.

Pattern Construction Overview

The shawl construction begins with casting on just 3 stitches and working 7 rows flat to create a small tab. This tab is then rotated 90 degrees, and stitches are picked up along the edges to establish 9 total stitches for the main body. A set-up row establishes stitch marker positions, and the charted lace pattern is then worked symmetrically on both sides of a center stitch for 65 rows, expanding the stitch count to 141 stitches. The pattern concludes with an elastic bind-off that incorporates picot edging, followed by blocking to shape and showcase the finished lace design.