Wonderland Yarns Mesh-enger Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Wonderland Yarns Mesh-enger Shawl: Knitted Lace Wrap with Asymmetrical Design

What Is Being Made

The Mesh-enger Shawl (also known as the Messenger Shawl) is a triangular knitted wrap designed by Stephanie Shiman. This shawl features an asymmetrical shape and measures approximately 72 inches in wingspan with a 20-inch depth at the center after blocking, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a traditional shawl. The design combines a structured garter stitch base with decorative mesh striping, creating visual interest while remaining accessible to knitters of various skill levels.

Techniques Used

This shawl is worked on the bias, a technique that creates diagonal lines across the fabric and contributes to the garment's unique asymmetrical silhouette. The bias construction, combined with strategic increases and decreases, allows the shawl to develop its distinctive shape organically as you knit. The pattern incorporates color changes worked on right-side rows to create bold mesh striping throughout the design. The shawl begins with a garter stitch section that establishes the foundation, then transitions into the mesh striping section that gives the project its signature visual appeal.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch forming the garter stitch base
• Knit Front and Back (Kfb): An increase stitch used to add stitches strategically throughout the pattern
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease that balances the increases and shapes the shawl
• Yarn Over (YO): Creates the open, mesh-like qualities characteristic of lace sections

The garter stitch—created by knitting every row—forms the primary fabric structure, providing a dense, textured base. This stitch is worked flat on circular needles, allowing the shawl to grow systematically from a small cast-on of 3 stitches to its full wingspan of 24 stitches in the garter section before transitioning to the mesh striping portion.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Mesh-enger Shawl is designed to showcase Wonderland Yarns "Mad Hatter" sport weight yarn, which is composed of 100% superwash merino fiber. The pattern calls for one full-size 4-ounce skein (344 yards) in the main color, plus two 1-ounce mini-skeins (86 yards each) in a contrasting color, or alternatively, one Mini Skein Pack containing 430 total yards. The superwash merino fiber provides durability and easy care, while the sport weight creates a fabric with excellent drape suitable for a wrap-style shawl.

Knitting is worked on US size 8 circular needles measuring at least 30 inches in length to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the shawl expands. The pattern achieves a gauge of 16 stitches and 31 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch before blocking, which is important for achieving the correct finished measurements after the shawl is blocked and shaped.

Color and Design Options

The pattern is versatile regarding color selection. The Messenger Kit pairs "Mad Hatter" in one colorway with contrasting mini-skeins for striking color blocking. Example combinations shown include "Goat's Beard" (4 oz) paired with "Hookah Smoke" (2x1 oz), and the "With What Porpoise" Mini Skein Pack. Knitters are encouraged to choose their own favorite contrasting colors to personalize the design. The pattern includes specific notes for working with Mini Skein Packs, allowing flexibility in yarn sourcing while maintaining the intended aesthetic of bold mesh striping against a solid or variegated base.