The Whispering Pines Bobble Bridge Wrap: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Shawl

Wrap Yourself in Texture: The Whispering Pines Bobble Bridge Shawl

There's something magical about a shawl that feels as good as it looks. The Whispering Pines Bobble Bridge Wrap is a modern, asymmetrical knitting pattern that combines the sculptural beauty of bobbles with the rhythmic flow of a bridge-like stitch pattern. This free pattern creates a deeply textured, dimensional fabric that drapes elegantly over your shoulders, adding a touch of handcrafted luxury to any outfit. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a satisfying project or a confident beginner ready to try something new, this wrap will become a cherished piece in your handmade wardrobe. The deep, heathered pine green shown here evokes the quiet mystery of a forest, but feel free to choose any worsted weight yarn that speaks to you.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will help you achieve the look and feel of the original, but substitutions are welcome as long as you match gauge.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4). The sample uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Diana' (a deep, heathered pine green). You will need approximately 450-500 yards.
• Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge. A circular needle (at least 32 inches long) is recommended to hold the increasing number of stitches comfortably.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional, for pattern repeats), blocking pins and mats.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Always check your gauge to ensure your finished shawl matches the intended size and drape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This wrap is worked flat from the top point down, increasing on one edge to create the asymmetrical shape. The Bobble Bridge pattern is a 12-row repeat. Read through the entire pattern before starting.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together
• YO: Yarn over
• M1L: Make one left (increase)
• M1R: Make one right (increase)
• Bobble (B): (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) into the same stitch, then pass the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches over the 1st stitch one at a time (a 5-stitch bobble).
• Sl1: Slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in back.

Getting Started: The Point

CO 3 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): K1, M1L, K to end. (4 stitches)
• Row 2 (WS): K1, P to last stitch, K1.
• Row 3: K1, M1L, K to end. (5 stitches)
• Row 4: K1, P to last stitch, K1.
• Row 5: K1, M1L, K to end. (6 stitches)
• Row 6: K1, P to last stitch, K1.
• Row 7: K1, M1L, K to end. (7 stitches)
• Row 8: K1, P to last stitch, K1.
• Row 9: K1, M1L, K to end. (8 stitches)
• Row 10: K1, P to last stitch, K1.
• Row 11: K1, M1L, K to end. (9 stitches)
• Row 12: K1, P to last stitch, K1.

You now have 9 stitches on your needle. This forms the starting point of your asymmetrical shape.

The Bobble Bridge Pattern

The pattern is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches + 3, plus 2 edge stitches. The edge stitches are always knit on both sides (garter stitch edge). The first and last stitch of every row are edge stitches.

Row 1 (RS): K1 (edge), K1, *K2, B, K3; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K1, K1 (edge).

Row 2 (WS): K1 (edge), P to last stitch, K1 (edge).

Row 3: K1 (edge), K1, *K5, B; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K1, K1 (edge).

Row 4: K1 (edge), P to last stitch, K1 (edge).

Row 5: K1 (edge), K1, *K2, B, K3; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K1, K1 (edge).

Row 6: K1 (edge), P to last stitch, K1 (edge).

Row 7: K1 (edge), K1, *K5, B; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K1, K1 (edge).

Row 8: K1 (edge), P to last stitch, K1 (edge).

Row 9: K1 (edge), K1, *K2, B, K3; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K1, K1 (edge).

Row 10: K1 (edge), P to last stitch, K1 (edge).

Row 11: K1 (edge), K1, *K5, B; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K1, K1 (edge).

Row 12: K1 (edge), P to last stitch, K1 (edge).

Shaping the Asymmetrical Shawl

Now you will combine the increase section with the pattern. Continue working the Bobble Bridge pattern as written above, but on every RS row, increase at the beginning of the row (after the edge stitch) by working M1L. This will add one stitch to the pattern repeat. Work the new stitch into the pattern as a knit stitch on the RS and a purl on the WS until it can be incorporated into a full repeat. The pattern will naturally expand as you add stitches.

Important: The first time you work Row 1 after the point, you will have 9 stitches. The pattern repeat requires a multiple of 6 + 3 + 2 edge stitches. With 9 stitches, you have 2 edge stitches + 7 pattern stitches. 7 is not a multiple of 6+3, so you will only be able to work part of the repeat. Simply work the stitches you have as follows: K1 (edge), K1, K2, B, K3, K1 (edge). This is fine. As you increase, the pattern will fill in. Continue increasing on every RS row until the wrap measures approximately 60 inches (152 cm) along the long edge, or until desired length.

Finishing

Bind off loosely on a WS row. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block the wrap gently to open up the stitch pattern and even out the bobbles. Lay flat to dry, pinning the edges to your desired shape. Enjoy your stunning, textured Whispering Pines Bobble Bridge Wrap!