Vacanza Shawl in Berroco Medina - 394-2 - Downloadable PDF

Vacanza Shawl in Berroco Medina – Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Vacanza Shawl is a beautifully proportioned, generously sized knitted shawl designed by Amy Christoffers and published by Berroco. After blocking, the finished shawl measures approximately 64 inches across the top edge and 23 inches down the center, not including fringe. This makes it a truly wearable, wrap-style accessory with enough drape and coverage to function as both a decorative and practical piece. The pattern is offered as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible for knitters who are ready to cast on right away.

Skill Level and Accessibility

This pattern is rated Easy, making it an excellent choice for beginner knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting skills and ready to tackle a larger project. The straightforward construction and use of a single, repetitive stitch pattern mean that knitters can focus on enjoying the rhythm of the work rather than navigating complex shaping or stitch manipulation. It is also a rewarding project for more experienced knitters looking for a relaxing, meditative make.

Construction and Techniques

The Vacanza Shawl is worked using a combination of seamless and flat knitting techniques. Working flat on a circular needle is a common approach for large shawl projects, as it allows the full width of the piece to rest comfortably on the cable rather than being stretched across a straight needle. This method keeps the knitting manageable even as the stitch count grows. The seamless construction means there is no finishing seam required, resulting in a clean, polished final piece straight off the needles.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Vacanza Shawl is Garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row when working flat. Garter stitch is one of the most beginner-friendly stitch patterns in knitting, producing a fabric with a characteristic ridged texture that lies flat without curling at the edges — a particularly desirable quality in shawl construction. The resulting fabric has wonderful elasticity and a cozy, substantial hand that suits the DK weight yarn beautifully. The gauge for this pattern is 22 stitches and 34 rows to 4 inches in Garter stitch after blocking, so checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended.

Materials – Yarn

The pattern calls for Berroco Medina, a DK weight yarn sold in 100-gram balls. Only 2 balls are required to complete the shawl, making this a relatively economical project. The colorway specified is #4744 Tangier, a rich, evocative shade that suits the Vacanza (Italian for "vacation" or "holiday") spirit of the design. Berroco Medina is known for its soft, drapey qualities that lend themselves well to accessories like shawls, and its smooth construction makes it easy to work with, especially for newer knitters. As always, Berroco recommends using the specified yarn to achieve the best results.

Materials – Needles and Notions

The pattern requires a 29-inch circular needle in size US 6 (4.00 mm), or the size needed to achieve the stated gauge. A circular needle of this length is ideal for accommodating the full width of the shawl as it grows, keeping all stitches supported and the work comfortable to hold. No additional specialized notions are listed beyond standard knitting tools.

Finishing Details

The finished shawl includes fringe, which is not factored into the stated blocked measurements. Fringe adds a playful, bohemian touch to the lower edge of the shawl, enhancing its relaxed, vacation-inspired aesthetic. Blocking is an important finishing step for this pattern, as the gauge and final measurements are both given after blocking, meaning the fabric will open up and reach its full, intended dimensions once wet-blocked or steam-blocked.

Pattern Format

The Vacanza Shawl pattern is available as a downloadable PDF designed and published by Berroco, Inc. The pattern is offered in one size, keeping the instructions clean and easy to follow.