Rowley Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Rowley Shawl in Berroco

What is Being Made

The Rowley Shawl is an intermediate-level triangular wrap designed by Brenda York. This knitted shawl measures approximately 72 inches across the top edge and 29 inches down the center after blocking, making it a generous accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a lightweight wrap.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a knitting project worked from the top down using circular needles. The shawl features a structured lace design created through strategic yarn overs and decreases that form an elegant, openwork pattern. The construction method allows the shawl to expand gradually, creating the triangular silhouette characteristic of this style of wrap.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Rowley Shawl incorporates several key knitting techniques and stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The foundational stitch used for gauge measurement
• Yarn Overs (yo) – Used extensively throughout to create the lace openings and increase stitches
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) – A left-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and create directional shaping
• Knit Two Together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease that works in conjunction with yarn overs for lace patterning
• Slip 1, Knit 2 Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, k2tog, psso) – A centered double decrease that creates definition in the lace motifs
• Blocking – Essential finishing technique to achieve the specified finished measurements and open up the lace pattern

Pattern Stitches

The shawl features two distinct lace pattern stitches that are worked in sequence:

Pattern Stitch 1 is based on a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1, worked over 8 rows. This stitch creates a delicate lace motif through alternating yarn overs and decreases, with purl rows on the wrong side to maintain the stockinette base. The pattern produces a balanced, symmetrical openwork design.

Pattern Stitch 2 is based on a multiple of 8 stitches plus 1, also worked over 8 rows. This stitch introduces slightly wider spacing in the lace pattern and incorporates double yarn overs to create larger openings and additional texture variation in the wrap.

Materials and Tools

The Rowley Shawl is worked in Berroco Mantra Stonewash, a yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for lace work. The project requires 5 balls of #4498 Earth (main color) and 2 balls of #4497 Mountain (contrasting color), with each ball weighing 50 grams.

Needles and notions include a 40-inch or longer circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) for the main knitting, and a spare needle in size 7 (4.50 mm) reserved for the bind-off. The longer circular needle accommodates the increasing stitch count as the triangular shawl expands.

The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which should be verified before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements.