Spicebush Shawl in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural - Downloadable PDF

Spicebush Shawl in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural

Project Overview

The Spicebush Shawl is a knitted wrap designed by Mel Kennelly, offering an advanced beginner-level project for crafters looking to expand their skills. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a generous rectangular shawl measuring approximately 26¾ inches wide by 109 inches long, with an additional 6 inches of fringe on each end, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a substantial knitted shawl and wrap, classified within the shawls and wraps category. The finished piece is a long, rectangular textile designed to provide warmth and style, with decorative fringe detailing at both ends that adds movement and visual interest to the completed garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Spicebush Shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for advanced beginners. The construction uses a repeating pattern stitch worked over a multiple of 12 stitches, requiring knitters to maintain consistency across rows. Blocking is an essential finishing technique for this project, as the gauge measurement is taken after blocking to ensure accurate final dimensions. The pattern also incorporates fringe finishing, which is created using a crochet hook rather than knitting needles, adding a textural element to the completed wrap.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary construction method uses a Pattern Stitch that repeats over a multiple of 12 stitches. Knitters are advised to work a gauge swatch over at least 24 stitches to properly test the pattern repeat and ensure accurate gauge before beginning the full project. The fringe is created using crochet techniques with a size H-8 hook, providing a different textural finish than the main knitted fabric.

Materials and Tools Required

• Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural in worsted weight, color #62504 Spelt. The pattern calls for 9 hanks of 100 grams each, providing ample yardage for the full-length wrap
• Needles: 24-inch circular needles in size 8 (5 mm) or the size required to obtain proper gauge
• Additional Notions: Size H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook for creating fringe, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 23 rows equaling 4 inches in the Pattern Stitch, measured after blocking. Accurate gauge is emphasized as critical for achieving the intended finished measurements. Knitters are encouraged to take time to check gauge on a swatch of at least 24 stitches before beginning the project to ensure their finished shawl matches the specified dimensions.

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content

This pattern uses Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural, a worsted-weight yarn composed of alpaca fiber. The natural fiber content provides softness and breathability, making it an excellent choice for a wrap that will be worn close to the body. The worsted weight ensures the shawl will have good drape and structure while remaining lightweight enough for comfortable wear.