Rye Shawl in Rowan Cotton Trio - Downloadable PDF

Rye Shawl in Rowan Cotton Trio

What is Being Made

The Rye Shawl is a lightweight wrap designed by Chloe Thurlow, crafted as a long rectangular shawl measuring 43 cm (17 inches) wide and 171 cm (67¼ inches) long. This downloadable knitting pattern creates an elegant wrap suitable for layering or draping, offering versatile styling options for various occasions.

Yarn and Materials

This shawl is knitted using Rowan Cotton Trio yarn in the 4-ply weight category. The pattern calls for approximately 9 balls of Cotton Trio (50gm each), photographed in the colorway Tiger 117. Knitting is worked on a single pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles, which are sized to achieve the correct tension and fabric drape essential for this wrap design.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Rye Shawl employs classic lace knitting techniques to create an open, airy fabric. The primary stitch pattern incorporates the following key elements:

• Yarn forward (yfrn) and yarn over (yrn) increases: These decorative increases create the characteristic lace openings throughout the wrap
• Purl two together (P2tog) decreases: Used strategically to balance the increases and maintain stitch count
• Garter stitch edges: Knit stitches (K) frame the lace pattern, providing structure and preventing curling
• Repeating 16-row pattern: The shawl is constructed by repeating a 16-row pattern sequence 44 times in total, followed by rows 1 to 14 once more, creating consistent lace motifs throughout the length

The pattern alternates between two main row sequences: Row 1 (RS) establishes the primary lace repeat with K4, yfrn, P2tog, K4 sequences, while rows 15 and 16 introduce a variation with closer spacing (yrn, P2tog repeats). This structured approach allows knitters to develop rhythm and consistency in their lace work.

Skill Level and Tension

Rated as advanced beginner difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore lace knitting. The pattern requires maintaining a consistent tension of 19 stitches and 42 rows to 10 cm (measured over the pattern using 3¼mm needles) to ensure the wrap achieves its intended finished dimensions and drape.

Construction and Finishing

The Rye Shawl is constructed as a flat rectangular piece worked from cast-on edge to cast-off edge. After completing all pattern repeats, the shawl requires pressing according to the information page instructions to set the lace and ensure the wrap maintains its elastic quality and proper dimensions. Finishing instructions are provided to complete the wrap professionally.