Rowan Niagara Wrap Knitting Pattern

Rowan Niagara Shawl by Lisa Richardson

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Niagara is an intermediate-level crocheted shawl and wrap designed by Lisa Richardson. This project is constructed from 31 individual square motifs that are joined together to create a finished wrap. The modular construction method allows crafters to work on manageable square units before assembling them into the complete garment, making it an ideal project for those developing their intermediate crochet skills.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Niagara shawl uses a motif-based construction technique where each square is worked individually and then joined together. The basic motif measures 12 centimeters square when completed. The pattern requires working in the round to create each square, with color changes worked throughout the rounds to build visual interest and pattern definition. When joining motifs, crafters work into corner stitches and along the sides, connecting 23 stitches per side to create a cohesive fabric.

The pattern employs a honeycomb stitch pattern as the foundation, which creates texture and visual appeal across the finished wrap. Color work is integral to the design, with different color combinations used across the 31 motifs to create variation and depth in the final piece.

Stitches Used

The Niagara pattern utilizes several fundamental crochet stitches:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used to create foundation chains and spaces within the pattern
• Double crochet (dc) – a basic stitch that forms part of the honeycomb pattern structure
• Treble (tr) – used extensively throughout the motif rounds, with multiple trebles worked into chain spaces to build the pattern
• Double treble (dtr) – worked at the corners of each square motif, creating defined corner points
• Slip stitch (ss) – used to join rounds and connect motifs together
• Treble 3 together (tr3tog) – a decrease stitch that reduces stitch count as needed within the pattern

Yarn and Materials

The Niagara pattern calls for Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, a wool-based yarn that provides warmth and drape suitable for a wrap garment. The pattern requires eight different color options:

• Yarn A: Rage (150) – 2 x 50gm balls
• Yarn B: Gilt (160) – 2 x 50gm balls
• Yarn C: Phantom (153) – 2 x 50gm balls
• Yarn D: Maritime (167) – 1 x 50gm ball
• Yarn E: Ginger (154) – 2 x 50gm balls
• Yarn F: Bilberry (151) – 2 x 50gm balls
• Yarn G: Clay (177) – 2 x 50gm balls
• Yarn H: Watery (152) – 3 x 50gm balls

The pattern is worked using a 3.50mm (US E4) crochet hook, which is sized appropriately for the Felted Tweed yarn weight and creates the correct gauge for the finished wrap.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a tension of 3 pattern repeats to 8 centimeters and 16 rows to 12 centimeters when measured over the honeycomb pattern using the 3.50mm crochet hook. Each completed basic motif measures 12 centimeters square, allowing crafters to accurately plan the final dimensions of their finished wrap based on the number of motifs assembled.

Color Combinations

The pattern provides specific color combination instructions for creating visual variation across the 31 motifs. Combination A uses yarns D, A, C, E, and G in sequence across five rounds, with eight motifs made in this color arrangement. Combination B uses yarns E, F, G, A, and B across the five rounds. This structured approach to color placement ensures a balanced, cohesive appearance in the finished wrap while allowing crafters to work with the full range of Rowan Felted Tweed colors included in the pattern.