Vivian Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Vivian Shawl in Berroco Chai

What Is Being Made

The Vivian Shawl is an intermediate-level triangular wrap designed by Amy Christoffers. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a generously sized shawl measuring approximately 80 inches across the top edge by 27 inches down the center, making it suitable for draping over the shoulders or wearing as a versatile wrap. The finished piece is worked from a charted pattern that combines both increases and decreases to create the classic triangular shawl silhouette.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its elegant construction. The shawl begins with a small cast-on of just 2 stitches, which is then expanded through strategic increases worked on right-side rows during the first major section of the pattern. The design incorporates a charted stitch pattern that must be read directionally—from right to left on right-side rows and from left to right on wrong-side rows. After reaching approximately 40 inches from the cast-on edge, the pattern transitions into a decreasing section where stitches are systematically reduced on right-side rows until only 3 stitches remain for binding off. Blocking is recommended as a finishing step to ensure accurate measurements and to help the shawl achieve its intended dimensions and drape.

Stitches Used

The Vivian Shawl utilizes a combination of essential knitting stitches worked from a detailed chart. The stitch vocabulary includes:

• Knit and purl stitches worked on the right side and wrong side as indicated by the chart
• Yarn overs to create decorative openwork and lace elements throughout the pattern
• K2tog (knit two together) for right-leaning decreases
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) for left-leaning decreases
• M1R (make one right) for increases that lean to the right

These stitches work together in the charted pattern to create visual interest and texture while maintaining the shawl's triangular shape through the increase and decrease sections.

Materials

The Vivian Shawl is designed to be knitted with Berroco Chai yarn. The pattern calls for 4 balls of Berroco Chai, each weighing 50 grams, in colorway #8608 Silver. A 32-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.5 mm) is required to work the shawl. Knitters should verify their gauge before beginning the project: the pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in the charted pattern after blocking. Taking time to check gauge ensures that the finished shawl will meet the specified measurements and drape properly.