Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Shawl in the Key of G in Berroco Ultra Wool

What Is Being Made

The Shawl in the Key of G is a triangular wrap designed by Julia Farwell-Clay, measuring approximately 62 inches wide across the top by 31 inches down the center. This is a beginner-friendly knitting project that creates a versatile shawl suitable for layering or wearing as a decorative wrap. The design features a two-step construction method that builds visual interest through strategic color placement and stitch techniques.

Construction Method and Design Approach

This shawl is worked in two distinct phases. The first phase involves knitting a bias strip in alternating garter stitch stripes that forms the triangular hem or foundation of the piece. Once this border strip is complete, stitches are picked up along the edge and the main body of the shawl is knit from the bottom up, continuing the alternating stripe pattern. A contrast black and white band is incorporated to provide visual interest and break up the color sections. The narrow stripes allow the unused color yarn to be loosely carried up the side of the work, reducing weaving in of ends.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the shawl, created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric that lies flat and is ideal for beginners.
• Alternating Stripes: The shawl is constructed using alternating garter stitch stripes in multiple colors, creating a rhythmic pattern that guides the knitting process.
• Bias Knitting: The initial border strip is worked on the bias, which creates the triangular shape and allows for the directional flow of the design.
• Stitch Pickup: After completing the border, stitches are picked up along the edge to begin the main body, a technique that connects the two construction phases seamlessly.
• PCDD (Purlwise Center Double Decrease): A special abbreviation used in this pattern. This decrease is worked with yarn in front, slipping 2 stitches as if to SSK, returning them to the left needle, then slipping them together purlwise, purling the next stitch, and passing the 2 slipped stitches over, resulting in a 2-stitch decrease. This creates shaping and decorative decreases within the fabric.

Yarn and Materials

The shawl is designed to be knit in Berroco Ultra Wool, a 100-gram ball yarn. The pattern calls for four colors: 2 balls each of #3344 Fox (C1) and #3314 Lilac (C2), plus 1 ball each of #3334 Cast Iron (C3) and #3300 Snow (C4). This color combination creates a sophisticated palette with warm and cool tones, with the Cast Iron and Snow providing the contrast black and white band mentioned in the design notes.

Needles and Notions

• 24-inch to 32-inch circular needle in size 8 (5.00 mm), or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge
• A single double-pointed needle (dpn) in matching needle size for certain techniques
• Removable stitch markers to track pattern repeats and important stitch locations
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 16 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches when worked in garter stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished shawl measures the intended 62 inches wide by 31 inches down the center. The pattern repeats are worked 48 times altogether, with alternating colors (C1 and C2) creating the striped effect throughout the construction.

Skill Level

Rated as an Easy skill level project, the Shawl in the Key of G is appropriate for beginner knitters. The straightforward garter stitch construction, combined with the simple color-alternating pattern, makes this an accessible introduction to shawl knitting. The two-phase construction method is clearly outlined, and the use of removable stitch markers helps track progress through the pattern repeats.