Windham Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Windham Shawl in Berroco Cotolana

What Is Being Made

The Windham Shawl is a triangular knitted wrap designed by Amy Christoffers. This intermediate-level shawl project creates a finished piece measuring approximately 66 inches across the top edge with a 19-inch center point depth after blocking. The design is suitable for knitters seeking a classic, elegant accessory that combines two coordinating yarn colors for visual interest.

Yarn and Materials

This shawl is crafted using Berroco Cotolana, a yarn that combines cotton and wool fibers. The pattern calls for 3 balls each of two colorways: #3501 White Pine (Color A) and #3510 Maple (Color B). Both colors are held together as a single strand throughout the project, creating a blended appearance. A 29-inch circular knitting needle in size 15 (10.00 mm) is required to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Windham Shawl employs several fundamental knitting techniques that make it accessible to intermediate-level knitters:

• Two-strand construction: One strand each of Color A and Color B are held together throughout, creating a balanced, heathered color blend
• Knit front and back (kf&b): An increase technique used at the beginning and end of rows to create the triangular shaping
• Knit and purl ribbing: The main stitch pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches (k1, p1 ribbing), establishing vertical lines that run throughout the finished piece
• Ribbed bind-off: A specialized finishing technique that maintains the ribbed pattern integrity while securing all stitches

Construction Method

The shawl is constructed from the top point downward. The pattern begins with a small cast-on of just 3 stitches, which is immediately increased using the kf&b technique. After establishing the ribbed stitch pattern in the first few rows, the knitter continues repeating the increase row until 155 stitches are on the needle. This systematic expansion creates the characteristic triangular silhouette. The ribbed bind-off row is then worked to finish all edges securely while maintaining the established stitch pattern.

Gauge and Finishing

Proper gauge is essential for this project: 10 stitches and 16 rows equal 4 inches in k1, p1 ribbing when two strands are held together and the piece is blocked. The pattern instructions emphasize checking gauge before beginning to ensure the finished measurements are accurate. After knitting is complete, all yarn ends are woven in and the shawl is blocked to open up the ribbed texture and achieve the specified finished dimensions.