Merlot Alpaca Wrap Shawl Knitting Pattern

How about a cozy, comfy fall wrap?!  If you follow my blog, you know that I’m not one to typically go for bold color tones. However, this deep burgundy red struck a chord with me for autumn. It was such a pleasure to finally see some color in my mix!

After sharing the Honeycombs Knit Scarf pattern, many of you reached out to ask me for a larger shawl version. There were even several of you that came up with your own shawl version of that scarf which was awesome to see! This Merlot Knit Wrap is inspired by that scarf but includes some different stitch patterns that are simple but striking.  You’ll get to make mesh, eyelets, seed stitch and garter stitch. 🙂 This pattern was created for Lion Brand Yarn’s 12 Weeks of Christmas kits (more about that later) and is currently 20% off as they just released the kit (here)! And as usual, you can also scroll down for the free pattern, or you can find the ad-free, printable version available for purchase in my Etsy shop here.

As you’ll see in the photos, this is a generous sized shawl that will keep you cozy and in style. The big blanket scarfs are still very “in” and this has the look of those blanket shawls, but is light and comfortable to wear.  When you knit this shawl, you’ll be working a simple mesh pattern, seed stitch and eyelets throughout the center with garter stitch. They are all easy stitches, but it creates a very eye catching texture, don’t you think?

And as I mentioned earlier, this is part of the 12 Weeks of Christmas series of kits from Lion Brand Yarn. They have made it available in 4 different, gorgeous bold colors.  I was thrilled to have a project included and loved getting to see the other projects from various designers and bloggers just this morning.  There’s a knit blanket that I’d love to make by All About Ami in the mix and so many others! All these projects to make and so little time, right?

So shall we get started on this wrap?

Oh! It’s called the “Merlot Wrap” as the mesh reminds me a bit of the Merlot grape vines in the Bordeaux region of France. The color is also similar to a gorgeous deep coloring of merlot wine. I hope you enjoy it!

Pattern Description:

A stunning wrap featuring various simple mesh stitch patterns that can be used as a shawl or an oversized scarf.  The alpaca blend yarn makes it cozy and soft yet light and easy to wear.  Dress it up or down by pairing with a dress or your favorite casual jeans.  A truly versatile, show stopping piece that’s a pleasure to knit.

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Materials:

US Size 11 8.0mm, 29” circular knitting needles (I always get asked if straights can be used on projects like this. The answer is they CAN, but they aren’t long enough to comfortably hold all the stitches and it makes it more difficult in my opinion)

5 skeins Lion Brand Yarn Touch of Alpaca in Crimson 100 g/skein (Pattern uses approximately 420 g)

Scissors

Tapestry Needle to weave in ends

Gauge:

Not important for this pattern though approximately 11 stitches and 14 rows in 4”X4” of seed stitch

Dimensions (approximate):

64” x 27”

Abbreviations & Skills:

k – knit

p – purl

st – stitch

yo – yarn over

k2tog – knit two together

Notes:

This wrap is knit flat and uses simple stitches to create various mesh patterns. The seed stitch and garter stitch are also featured.  Stitch count remains the same throughout pattern. The pattern is broken into sections to help clarify the different stitch repeats in the shawl.  You will note that there are open mesh sections featured on both ends and a more subtle mesh throughout the middle. Wrap stretches downward when worn which make it appear larger as it has a lovely drape. Width may be adjusted by casting on more or fewer stitches with an odd stitch count while keeping a multiple of 3 (keep yarn needs in mind).

Merlot Alpaca Wrap Pattern Instructions

Cast On 75 stitches

Seed Stitch Section

Row 1 Knit each st across the row

Row 2 K1, p1 across the row ending with k1

Row 3 – 9 Repeat row 2 for each row

Next, you will knit mesh in the First Edge Mesh section

First Edge Mesh

Row 10 Knit each st across the row (Right Side)

Row 11 K1, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * across the row (Wrong Side)

Row 12 Knit each st across the row

Row 13 K2, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * across, knit last st of row

Rows 14 Repeat row 10

Row 15 Repeat row 11

Row 16 Repeat row 12

Row 17 Repeat row13

Repeat rows 2-17, in that order, 3 more times

Next you will move onto the middle mesh section

Middle Mesh Section

Row 1 – 6 Knit each st across the row

Row 7 K3, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to last 2 stitches; k2.

Repeat rows 1-7, in that order, 15 more times or until entire piece measures at least approximately 46”, ending with row 7 on a wrong side row. (Tip: If you end on the Right Side, knit one more repeat of rows 1-7 to end on Wrong Side)

Last Edge Mesh Stitch

Row 1 – 6 Knit each st across the row

Row 7 – 14 Repeat rows 10-17 from First Edge Mesh Section

Next, repeat rows 2 – 17 from the Seed Stitch Section and First Edge Mesh 3 more times

Final Seed Stitch Edge

Repeat rows 2 – 9 from Seed Stitch Section of pattern above

Knit cast off and weave in ends. Block to shape and size as desired.

Tips:

If you miscount your rows or want to double check your knitting, you can help to ensure a consistent look by beginning each First Edge Mesh repeat on the Right Side. Below you can see photos of the Right Side and Wrong Side.

Below: The Right Side of the mesh appears a bit like stockinette

Below is the wrong side:

That’s it!

 

I hope you enjoyed this pattern my friends. It’s so cuddly and makes me so excited for fall and winter days.

XO

Jessica

If you liked this, you might also like:

Honeycombs Knit Scarf (Inspiration for this Merlot Wrap!)

Sedona Serenity Shawl (Perfect for beginners!)