Wave Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Wave Shawl in Rowan Kidsilk Haze and Felted Tweed

What is Being Made

The Wave Shawl is a triangular knitted wrap designed by Lisa Richardson. This intermediate-level shawl measures approximately 104 cm (41 inches) wide by 53 cm (20¾ inches) long from the cast-on edge to the longest point, making it a versatile accessory suitable for draping across the shoulders or wearing as a lightweight wrap.

Craft and Construction Method

This project is created using the knitting craft. The shawl is worked flat on straight needles, beginning from the cast-on edge and increasing progressively to create the triangular silhouette characteristic of wave-patterned shawls. The construction involves working from a narrow base outward, with increases strategically placed throughout the pattern to achieve the desired width and shape.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Wave Shawl employs several fundamental and decorative knitting stitches to create its distinctive texture and appearance:

• Knit and Purl stitches: Form the foundation of the pattern, with alternating knit rows and purl sections creating visual interest and texture variation
• Yarn forward (yfwd): A lace-making technique that creates decorative eyelet holes, contributing to the shawl's delicate, openwork aesthetic
• Increases: The pattern uses (K1, yfwd, K1) into a single stitch, which simultaneously creates a yarn-over eyelet and increases stitch count
• Decreases: Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) and slip 2, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over (sl 2, K1, p2sso) techniques create tapered sections and balanced shaping
• Knit front and back (Kfb): An alternative increase method used within the pattern
• Double knit (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the shawl edges
• I-cord edging: A tubular cord finish applied to the shawl edges using a double-pointed needle
• Expandable lace cast-off: A specialized bind-off technique that maintains elasticity in the finished edge

The stitch pattern repeats every 12 rows, with the color sequence repeating across the same 24-row cycle. Increases occur on specific rows, with 2 additional stitches worked between color-change sections on increase rows, and 1 extra stitch placed between each increase and decrease on other right-side rows. This structured approach ensures the wave pattern develops evenly across the expanding width of the shawl.

Color Work and Design

The Wave Shawl features a sophisticated five-color striping sequence using Rowan yarns in complementary tones:

• Yarn A: Felted Tweed in French Mustard (color 216) – warm golden tone
• Yarn B: Felted Tweed in Chestnut (color 024) – rich brown shade
• Yarn C: Felted Tweed in Aluminium (color 210) – cool neutral gray
• Yarn D: Kidsilk Haze in Burnt Caramel (color 680) – warm amber tone
• Yarn E: Kidsilk Haze in Aegean (color 724) – cool blue-toned shade

The color pattern repeats throughout the 24-row sequence, creating horizontal stripes that interact with the wave stitch pattern to produce a dynamic, multidimensional visual effect. The Kidsilk Haze yarns are held double throughout the project, adding extra softness and drape to those color sections.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This shawl is knitted using two distinct Rowan yarn types, each selected for specific qualities:

• Rowan Felted Tweed: A wool-rich yarn providing structure, warmth, and durability. Three colors are used (French Mustard, Chestnut, and Aluminium), with one 50-gram ball of each required
• Rowan Kidsilk Haze: A luxurious blend of kid mohair and silk