Twist Collective Espe Wrap Knitting Pattern

Espe Lace Shawl by Susanna IC

What Is Being Made

Espe is an elegant knitted lace wrap inspired by the spectacular autumn colors of Colorado aspen groves. This shawl features a graceful elongated triangular silhouette with finished measurements of 79 inches wingspan by 43 inches depth, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a statement wrap. The design showcases beautiful gradient yarn through carefully placed lace leaf motifs that allow the yarn's color variations to become the focal point of the finished piece.

Construction and Techniques

Espe is worked seamlessly and flat from side to side, beginning with a tiny six-stitch cast-on. The shawl grows through strategic increases along one edge, gradually expanding into its distinctive triangular shape. This construction method allows knitters to try on the piece as it develops and customize the final size by working additional pattern repeats. A simple yarn-over edging is worked along the two longer sides, creating a decorative finish that doubles as a practical feature—blocking wires can be easily threaded through the yarn-overs for blocking and finishing.

Stitches and Lace Pattern

The design features lace stitch work presented entirely in chart form, with only right-side rows charted for clarity. All wrong-side rows follow a consistent pattern: knit the first two stitches, purl across to the last two stitches, then knit the final two stitches. This creates clean, defined edges while the charted lace patterns develop on the right side. The lace motifs are worked in three distinct chart sections: Chart A is worked once (resulting in 31 stitches), Chart B is repeated ten times with an additional partial repeat of rows 1–12 (bringing the stitch count to 199), and Chart C is worked once to reach the final 380 stitches. The pattern concludes with two knit rows before binding off.

Yarn and Needles

The suggested yarn is Freia Fine Handpaints Fingering Shawl Ball, a luxurious option that showcases gradient colorways beautifully. Two balls are required, with each ball containing 430 yards (393 meters) of 100% cruelty-free merino wool in a fingering weight. The project calls for Size 8 US (5.00 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches or longer for the main knitting, with a Size 9 US (5.50 mm) needle reserved for binding off only. Circular needles accommodate the increasing stitch count throughout the project.

Gauge and Finishing

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in the lace pattern using the smaller needles. While correct gauge is not critical for this project—as the shawl can be customized through pattern repeats—checking gauge ensures accurate final measurements and yardage requirements. Finishing involves weaving in all loose ends with a tapestry needle, then blocking the piece to the desired measurements. Once completely dry, remove all pins and trim any remaining yarn tails for a polished appearance.

Additional Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the project requires stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking pins for shaping the finished wrap during the blocking process.