Spicebush Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Spicebush Shawl in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural

What Is Being Made

The Spicebush Shawl is a long, elegant knitted wrap designed by Mel Kennelly. This advanced beginner knitting project creates a finished shawl measuring approximately 26¾ inches wide by 109 inches long, with an additional 6 inches of decorative fringe on each end. The generous length and moderate width make this shawl versatile for draping across the shoulders or wrapping around the body for warmth and style.

Craft and Techniques

This project is executed in knitting, classified at an advanced beginner skill level. The construction uses circular needles to work the shawl in the round or flat, allowing for the creation of a long, rectangular garment. The pattern requires understanding of basic knitting fundamentals combined with the ability to follow a multi-row repeating pattern stitch. Blocking after completion is essential, as gauge is measured post-blocking to ensure accurate finished dimensions.

Stitches Used

The Spicebush Shawl features a Pattern Stitch that repeats over 12 rows and a multiple of 12 stitches. The stitch pattern combines:

• Knit stitches (k)
• Purl stitches (p)
• Alternating knit and purl combinations creating textured ribbed sections
• Stockinette stitch blocks interspersed with ribbed elements

The pattern begins and ends with garter stitch edges (knit stitches on all rows) for a finished frame. The 12-row repeat alternates between sections of knit-purl ribbing and smooth stockinette, creating visual interest and texture throughout the shawl. Additionally, fringe is added using a crochet hook in the finishing stage, providing a decorative edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This shawl is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural, a premium yarn requiring 9 hanks of 100 grams each (color #62504 Spelt). The yarn choice provides a natural, undyed aesthetic with the warmth and softness characteristic of alpaca fiber.

The project requires 24-inch circular needles in size 8 / 5 mm or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional notions include a crochet hook size H-8 / 5 mm for creating the fringe and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends during finishing.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern stitch gauge is 18 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches when measured in the pattern stitch after blocking. Knitters are instructed to work a gauge swatch over at least 24 stitches to ensure accuracy before beginning the full project. The shawl is constructed by casting on 120 stitches, working two rows of stockinette stitch (one knit row, one purl row) as an edge, then continuing in the 12-row pattern stitch repeat until the piece reaches approximately 108 inches from the cast-on edge. The pattern is completed after finishing either Row 6 or Row 12 of the pattern stitch to maintain pattern continuity, followed by two final stockinette rows and binding off.