The Shifting Sandstone Wrap: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Shawl
Introduction: The Shifting Sandstone Wrap
Embrace the beauty of desert landscapes with this modern, asymmetrical wrap, featuring a mesmerizing interplay of garter stitch and slipped stitches. The unique shape drapes elegantly, creating a cozy and sophisticated accessory for any season. Inspired by the layered textures of sandstone cliffs, this wrap uses a simple slipped stitch pattern to create a subtle, woven effect that shifts and changes with every row. The asymmetrical construction—worked from the top down with increases on one side—gives the wrap a flowing, organic shape that drapes beautifully over the shoulders. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a meditative project or a confident beginner ready to try slipped stitches, this pattern is designed to be both rewarding and wearable.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the recommended yarn will help you achieve the exact texture and drape shown, but any worsted weight yarn will work beautifully.
Yarn
- Weight: Worsted weight yarn (approximately 600-700 yards)
- Sample shown in: Malabrigo Rios in 'Piedras' (a variegated brown/tan/terracotta)
- Alternative suggestions: Any worsted weight yarn with good stitch definition will work. Solid or semi-solid colors will highlight the slipped stitch texture, while variegated yarns (like the sample) add depth and visual interest.
Needles & Notions
- Needle: US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needle, 32-inch or longer (the long cord is necessary to accommodate the increasing number of stitches)
- Notions: Stitch markers (optional, for tracking increases), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking pins and mats
Gauge
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch (blocked)
- Note: Gauge is important for achieving the correct dimensions and drape. Always knit a gauge swatch and block it before beginning. If your gauge is off, adjust needle size accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked from the top down, with increases made on one side only to create the asymmetrical shape. The slipped stitch pattern is simple but creates a beautiful woven texture. Read through all instructions before beginning.
Abbreviations & Special Techniques
- k: knit
- M1L: Make 1 Left (increase). Insert left needle from front to back under the horizontal strand between the last stitch worked and the next stitch. Knit this strand through the back loop.
- sl1 wyib: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side
Getting Started: The Garter Stitch Base
Cast on: Using the long-tail cast on, cast on 3 stitches.
Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
Row 3 (Increase Row): K1, M1L, knit to end. (4 stitches)
Row 4: Knit all stitches.
Row 5: K1, M1L, knit to end. (5 stitches)
Row 6: Knit all stitches.
Row 7: K1, M1L, knit to end. (6 stitches)
Row 8: Knit all stitches.
Row 9: K1, M1L, knit to end. (7 stitches)
Row 10: Knit all stitches.
Begin Slipped Stitch Pattern
Now you will begin the slipped stitch pattern that creates the woven texture. The increase is always made on the RS row, and the slipped stitch creates a column of elongated stitches along the edge.
Row 11 (RS): K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (8 stitches)
Row 12 (WS): K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Row 13: K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (9 stitches)
Row 14: K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Row 15: K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (10 stitches)
Row 16: K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Row 17: K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (11 stitches)
Row 18: K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Row 19: K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (12 stitches)
Row 20: K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Row 21: K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (13 stitches)
Row 22: K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Row 23: K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (14 stitches)
Row 24: K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Row 25: K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (15 stitches)
Row 26: K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Row 27: K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (16 stitches)
Row 28: K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Row 29: K1, M1L, knit to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyib, k1. (17 stitches)
Row 30: K1, slip 1 wyib, knit to end.
Continue in Pattern
Repeat Rows 11-30 until the wrap measures approximately 60 inches along the straight (non-increasing) edge, ending after a WS row. The number of stitches will be approximately 100-110. To measure correctly, lay the wrap flat and measure the edge that does not have the increases—this is the straight edge that will form the top of the wrap when worn.
Final Section: Garter Stitch Border
This border creates a neat, finished edge and helps stabilize the wrap.
Row 1 (RS): K1, M1L, knit to end.
Row 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat these two rows 5 more times (10 rows total).
Bind Off
Bind off all stitches loosely knitwise. To bind off loosely, use a needle one size larger if needed, or work the bind off stitches with a very relaxed tension. A tight bind off will prevent the wrap from draping properly.
Finishing
Weave in ends: Using a tapestry needle, weave in all yarn tails securely on the wrong side of the work. Trim any excess yarn.
Blocking: Blocking is essential for this pattern. It will open up the slipped stitch texture and even out the stitches. Soak the wrap in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash for 15-20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay the wrap flat on a blocking mat, gently stretching the straight edge to the desired length (approximately 60 inches) and allowing the curved, increasing edge to relax naturally. Pin the straight edge in place, and gently shape the curved edge. Allow to dry completely before unpinning. This will create the beautiful, flowing asymmetrical shape.
Your Shifting Sandstone Wrap is now complete! Wear it draped over your shoulders or wrapped around your neck for a touch of desert-inspired elegance.
