The Whispering Dune Wrap: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetric Desert Landscape Shawl
Wrap Yourself in the Shifting Sands: The Whispering Dune Wrap
Imagine the warm hues of a desert sunset captured in a soft, textured shawl. The Whispering Dune Wrap is a uniquely asymmetric knitting pattern that mimics the wind-sculpted curves of desert dunes. Knitted from the top down, this gradient shawl transitions through terracotta, ochre, and cream, creating a mesmerizing landscape of garter ridges, slipped stitches, and delicate lace drops. Perfect for intermediate knitters looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will become a cherished addition to your wardrobe.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Fingering weight yarn in 3 colors:
- Color A (Terracotta) - 400 yards
- Color B (Ochre) - 350 yards
- Color C (Cream) - 300 yards
- Suggested: Malabrigo Sock or similar fingering weight yarn.
- Needle: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle, 32-inch or longer (to accommodate the large number of stitches).
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional).
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch, after blocking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pattern Notes
This shawl is worked from the top down, increasing on one side to create an asymmetric shape. The stitch pattern is a 4-row repeat. Slip stitches purlwise with yarn in back (wyib) unless otherwise noted. Block aggressively to open up the lace and even out the slipped stitches.
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- yo = yarn over
- k2tog = knit two together
- sl1 = slip one stitch purlwise
- wyib = with yarn in back
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Setup
With Color A, cast on 3 stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (5 stitches)
- Row 2 (WS): k2, p1, k2.
- Row 3: k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (9 stitches)
- Row 4: k2, p5, k2.
- Row 5: k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1. (13 stitches)
- Row 6: k2, p9, k2.
Begin Main Pattern
Work the following 4-row repeat, increasing on the right side (RS) as indicated. Continue repeating Rows 1-4, changing colors as specified below.
- Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, *sl1 wyib, k1; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k1, yo, k1. (Increase 1 stitch at each end)
- Row 2 (WS): k2, p to last 2 stitches, k2.
- Row 3 (RS): k1, yo, k1, *k1, sl1 wyib; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k1, yo, k1. (Increase 1 stitch at each end)
- Row 4 (WS): k2, p to last 2 stitches, k2.
Color Sequence
- Work 8 repeats (32 rows) with Color A.
- Work 8 repeats (32 rows) with Color B.
- Work 8 repeats (32 rows) with Color C.
- Work 8 repeats (32 rows) with Color B.
- Work 8 repeats (32 rows) with Color A.
Lace Section (Optional)
After completing the color blocks, work the following lace pattern for 4 repeats (16 rows) with Color C.
- Lace Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, *k2tog, yo; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k1, yo, k1.
- Lace Row 2 (WS): k2, p to last 2 stitches, k2.
- Lace Row 3 (RS): k1, yo, k1, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k1, yo, k1.
- Lace Row 4 (WS): k2, p to last 2 stitches, k2.
Edging
With Color A, bind off loosely as follows: k2, *slip both stitches back to left needle, k2tog through back loops, k1; repeat from * until all stitches are bound off. Weave in ends. Block aggressively to open up the lace and even out the slipped stitches.
