Rye Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Rye Shawl in Rowan Cotton Trio

What is Being Made

The Rye Shawl is a rectangular wrap designed by Chloe Thurlow, measuring 43 cm (17 inches) wide and 171 cm (67¼ inches) long. This versatile accessory functions as a lightweight wrap suitable for layering and everyday wear, constructed through a series of repeating pattern rows that create an elegant, openwork fabric.

Craft and Techniques

This project is a knitting design classified at advanced beginner difficulty level. The shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques including yarn forward operations, together stitch decreases, and pattern repetition. The construction method involves casting on stitches, working through multiple pattern repeats, and finishing with a cast-off edge. Pressing is recommended as part of the finishing process to enhance the final appearance and ensure the wrap lies flat.

Stitches Used

The Rye Shawl utilizes a limited but effective stitch vocabulary:

• Knit stitch (K) – the foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (P) – incorporated into the decreasing sequences
• Yarn forward (yfrn) – creates openwork eyelets characteristic of the design
• Purl two together (P2tog) – a decrease stitch that pairs with yarn overs to form the lacy pattern

The pattern consists of 16 rows that form the repeating unit. Rows 1 through 14 establish the main motif with K4, yarn forward, P2tog sequences, while rows 15 and 16 feature a modified arrangement with yarn forward and P2tog repeats separated by knit stitches. This 16-row pattern is repeated 44 times in total, followed by rows 1 through 14 worked once more to complete the shawl.

Materials and Specifications

The Rye Shawl is worked in Rowan Cotton Trio, a yarn weight requiring 3¼mm (US 3) needles. The pattern calls for one pair of these needles. The recommended yarn is photographed in the colorway Tiger 117. The tension specification is 19 stitches and 42 rows to 10 centimeters measured over pattern using the specified needle size. The project begins with casting on 82 stitches and requires achieving correct tension to ensure the finished wrap reaches its intended dimensions and maintains the proper drape and elasticity of the openwork fabric.