Ginger in Berroco Summer Sesame - Downloadable PDF

Ginger Shawl in Berroco Summer Sesame – Knitting Pattern by Amy Christoffers

About This Pattern

Ginger is a stunning two-color knitted shawl designed by Amy Christoffers and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern creates a generously sized rectangular wrap measuring approximately 72 inches long by 27 inches wide (not including fringe) after blocking — making it a truly wearable, statement piece. The design is rated Intermediate in skill level, making it an excellent next step for knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are ready to explore colorwork and shaping in a relaxed, rewarding project format.

What You Are Making

Ginger is a large, rectangular shawl and wrap featuring fringe detailing along its edges for added texture and visual drama. The finished dimensions make it versatile enough to wear as a traditional shawl, a lightweight scarf, or a stylish wrap for warmer seasons. The two-color construction gives the piece a sophisticated, modern look while remaining approachable for knitters building their colorwork confidence.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Summer Sesame, a yarn that is perfectly suited to a warm-weather shawl. You will need:

• 2 balls of #5249 Alloy (Main Color / MC)
• 2 balls of #5236 Coral (Contrast Color / CC)

Each ball of Berroco Summer Sesame weighs 100 grams, and the yarn falls into the DK weight category, offering a lightweight yet substantial fabric that drapes beautifully in finished shawls and wraps. Its composition makes it an ideal choice for spring and summer knitting projects.

Needles and Notions

To knit Ginger, you will need the following tools and notions:

• A 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle in size US 7 / 4.5 mm, or the size needed to obtain gauge
• 2 stitch markers to help track pattern sections

Circular needles are used here not for knitting in the round, but to comfortably accommodate the large number of stitches across the wide shawl. This is a common and practical technique in shawl knitting, allowing the full width of the piece to rest on the cable without strain on the knitter's wrists.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Ginger is worked primarily in Garter Stitch, one of the most classic and beginner-friendly stitch patterns in knitting. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row when working flat, producing a fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides. It lies flat naturally, requires no complicated shaping, and is particularly well-suited to shawls because it creates a stable, non-curling edge.

• Garter Stitch – the primary stitch pattern throughout the shawl body
• Two-color construction – alternating between Alloy (MC) and Coral (CC) to create colorwork interest
• Fringe – added as a finishing detail to enhance the wrap's decorative appeal
• Stitch markers – used to delineate sections within the pattern for accuracy

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter Stitch. As with any large project, checking gauge before casting on is strongly recommended to ensure the finished shawl matches the intended dimensions of 72 inches by 27 inches after blocking.

Blocking

The finished measurements for Ginger are given after blocking, which is an important finishing step for any knitted shawl. Blocking involves wetting or steaming the finished piece and pinning it to the correct dimensions to open up the stitch pattern, even out the fabric, and achieve the full drape and size of the design. For a shawl of this scale, blocking makes a significant visual difference and is considered an essential part of the making process.