Wembley Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Wembley Shawl in Berroco Emberstone

What Is Being Made

The Wembley is a knitted shawl and wrap designed by Mel Kennelly. This advanced beginner project creates a rectangular wrap measuring approximately 20 inches wide by 65 inches long, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping. The finished dimensions of 51 cm by 165 cm provide ample coverage for various styling options.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs slip stitch colorwork as its primary technique, creating visual texture and color variation without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork. The design uses two-color alternating rows to build a sophisticated pattern throughout the wrap. Knitters will practice yarn management by switching between two yarn colors (Amethyst Cloud and Spinel Spark) in a controlled, repeating sequence. The pattern begins and ends with garter stitch borders, which are created by knitting every row to frame the central patterned section.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Wembley features a four-row repeating pattern stitch that forms the foundation of the design:

• Row 1 (RS): Worked in Spinel Spark color, alternating knit 3 stitches with slip 1 stitch with yarn in back
• Row 2 (WS): Worked in Spinel Spark color, alternating knit 3 stitches with slip 1 stitch with yarn in front
• Row 3: Worked in Amethyst Cloud color, beginning with knit 1, then alternating slip 1 stitch with yarn in back and knit 3 stitches, ending with slip 1 stitch with yarn in back and knit 1
• Row 4: Worked in Amethyst Cloud color, mirroring Row 3 with yarn in front positioning for slip stitches

The pattern stitch requires a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3 additional stitches. Rows 1 through 4 repeat continuously until the desired length is achieved. The slip stitches are worked with yarn in back on right-side rows and with yarn in front on wrong-side rows, creating a neat, controlled appearance on the finished fabric.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Wembley is designed to be knitted with Berroco Emberstone, a yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for slip stitch colorwork. The pattern calls for 4 balls each of two colorways: #11023 Amethyst Cloud (C1) and #11024 Spinel Spark (C2). Each ball weighs 100 grams, totaling 800 grams of yarn for the completed wrap.

Needles: Knitting needles in size 10½ (6.5 mm) are recommended, though knitters should select the needle size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge. A tapestry needle is also required for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern stitch gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch, measure it after blocking, and adjust needle size if necessary before beginning the full project.

Skill Level

Classified as advanced beginner, the Wembley requires familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, knitting, slipping stitches, and binding off. The primary skill challenge involves managing two yarn colors and maintaining consistent tension while working slip stitches, which creates visual interest without the difficulty of traditional colorwork techniques.