Twist Collective Farro Wrap Knitting Pattern

Twist Collective Farro Shawl

What is Being Made

Farro is a top-down, seamless triangular shawl worked from the center outward. The finished shawl measures approximately 36 inches (91.5 cm) in radius from center to furthest point, creating a large, elegant wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Method and Techniques

This shawl is worked flat on circular needles, progressing from a small cast-on at the center and expanding outward with strategic increases. The design employs a top-down construction where the knitter begins at the apex and works toward the outer edge, allowing for easy customization of final size by stopping at any waypoint.

The shawl features cable and lace techniques worked in repeating segments. Each row contains the chart pattern repeated 8 times across the width, creating a symmetrical, radiating design. Increases occur every 8th row throughout the pattern, ensuring consistent expansion and proper shaping.

The pattern includes both charted rows showing right-side and wrong-side instructions, as well as sections where only right-side rows are charted. For wrong-side rows in these sections, knitters work stitches as they appear—knitting the knit stitches, purling the purl stitches, and working yarn overs according to the established pattern.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

Farro incorporates the following stitch elements:

• Cable stitches for textural interest and dimension
• Lace stitches including yarn overs and decreases to create openwork sections
• Stockinette stitch as the base gauge fabric (24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm)
• Stretchy bind-off to finish the outer edge with flexibility

The initial cast-on uses a specialized method: cast on 4 stitches, then work K1, * yarn over, knit 1, pass 2 right-most stitches over left-most stitch on right needle; repeat from * to end of row. This creates an elegant, centered starting point. After the set-up chart (6 rows, ending with 23 stitches), the main chart pattern begins with edge stitches (knit 3 on each side) framing 8 repetitions of the charted design per row.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The suggested yarn is Juniper Moon Farms Findley, a luxury blend of 50% Merino Wool and 50% Silk. The pattern requires 2 balls of yarn, providing 798 yards (730 meters) total per 3½ ounces (100 grams) per skein. The silk content adds sheen and drape, while the merino wool provides warmth and elasticity—ideal properties for a shawl.

Needles required include a US Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle measuring 60 inches (150 cm) or longer. The longer length accommodates the expanding stitch count as the shawl grows outward. Needle size may be adjusted to obtain correct gauge if necessary.

Additional notions include 2 cable needles for managing cable stitches, stitch markers (optional) for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and cotton thread for an optional lifeline to secure stitches during complex sections.

Yarn Management and Finishing

The pattern includes a Yarn Usage Chart indicating the percentage of yarn consumed at various waypoints throughout the design. Knitters should weigh their yarn before beginning and check the remaining weight at each indicated waypoint to ensure sufficient yardage remains to complete the project. This feature allows for confident customization—the shawl can be worked to any waypoint where adequate yarn remains.

Finishing involves soaking the completed shawl in water for at least 30 minutes before wet blocking to even out the stitches and enhance the lace and cable definition. After blocking, the shawl is allowed to dry completely before trimming yarn tails. Ends are woven in but not cut until after blocking is complete.