Universal Yarn Palmetto Wrap Knitting Pattern

Palmetto Shawl and Wrap

What is Being Made

Palmetto is a modern mosaic-patterned shawl and wrap designed by Aubrey Busek for Universal Yarn. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a vibrant, wearable accessory available in two sizes: Small measuring 14¾" wide by 75" long, and Large measuring 19¾" wide by 96½" long (excluding tassels). The finished piece features decorative tassels attached to each corner after blocking, making it an ideal summer accessory that combines bold color work with contemporary stitch patterning.

Techniques Used

Palmetto is worked flat using seamless construction techniques with stranded colorwork and stripe patterns throughout. The design employs mosaic knitting methods, which allow for complex visual effects using only one color per row. This approach simplifies the actual knitting process while creating intricate-looking results. The shawl incorporates multiple mosaic stitch patterns including Diamonds, Tiles, and Swirls patterns, each creating distinct textural and visual interest. Key technical elements include slipping stitches with yarn held to the wrong side of the work, maintaining consistent two-row color sequences, and working both right-side and wrong-side rows with specific slip-stitch techniques to build the mosaic effect.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch – Used as a foundational stitch with gauge of 26 stitches by 42 rows over 4 inches when worked with the smaller needle
• Mosaic Stitches – Including Diamonds Pattern, Tiles Pattern, and Swirls Pattern, each worked at 26 stitches by 42 rows over 4 inches with the larger needle
• Slip Stitches – Integral to the mosaic technique, creating the visual pattern while maintaining a single working color per row
• Stripes – Created through alternating colors in two-row sequences, with any number of stitches possible

Materials and Specifications

Palmetto is knitted using Universal Yarn Bamboo Pop, a blend of 50% bamboo and 50% cotton that provides breathability and drape ideal for a summer wrap. The yarn comes in 100-gram balls with 292 yards per ball. The colorway combination features three colors: 102 Cream as the main color (3 balls for Small, 4 balls for Large), 114 Super Pink as contrast color one (2 balls for Small, 3 balls for Large), and 212 Bright Spot as contrast color two (2 balls for Small, 3 balls for Large).

Needles required include US Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 16–24" length for working the larger stitch patterns, and US Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in 16–24" length for garter stitch sections. Circular needles accommodate the large stitch counts throughout the project. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and attaching tassels, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections.

Pattern Construction Notes

The pattern follows specific mosaic knitting conventions to achieve its modern aesthetic. All stitches are worked consistently with yarn held to the wrong side during slip sequences. The fundamental rule of mosaic construction—working two consecutive rows in the same color before switching—ensures clean color transitions and prevents stitches from changing color on wrong-side rows. Right-side rows require knitting all stitches in the working color while slipping stitches designated for other colors, and wrong-side rows follow the identical technique. Gauge is critical for this project, with consistent measurements of 26 stitches by 42 rows equaling 4 inches across all stitch patterns when appropriate needle sizes are used. Tassels are added to each corner as a finishing detail after the main knitting and blocking are complete, adding playful movement to the finished wrap.