The Whispering Pines Lattice Wrap: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Forest-Inspired Shawl

Wrap Yourself in the Quiet Beauty of the Forest

There is a certain magic in the way light filters through a dense pine forest—dappled, shifting, and deeply calming. The Whispering Pines Lattice Wrap captures that very essence in a knitted shawl. This asymmetrical, textured wrap is designed to be both a cozy companion and an elegant accessory. The intricate lattice stitch mimics the interplay of light and shadow among the needles, while the deep, variegated green yarn adds an organic, forest-floor depth. Whether you are an intermediate knitter looking for a rewarding project or simply someone who loves the feel of handmade texture, this pattern will guide you to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The right materials are key to achieving the soft, airy texture and beautiful drape of this shawl.

• Yarn: Approximately 600–700 yards of worsted weight yarn. The sample uses Malabrigo Rios in the colorway 'Pine Forest' (a deep, variegated green), but any worsted weight yarn that you love will work beautifully.
• Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle, 32 inches or longer. The long circular needle is essential to hold the increasing number of stitches as the shawl grows.
• Notions: Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for tracking pattern repeats), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking pins/mats for finishing.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Lattice Stitch pattern (blocked). Gauge is important for achieving the correct size and drape, so take a moment to swatch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This asymmetrical shawl is worked from the top down, increasing on one edge to create a gentle curve. The Lattice Stitch pattern is a simple 4-row repeat that creates a beautiful, open grid. Follow these instructions carefully, and you will have a stunning wrap in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• YO: Yarn over
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rep: Repeat

Lattice Stitch Pattern (Multiple of 4 sts + 2)

This is the core pattern that creates the textured lattice effect. Work these 4 rows repeatedly as the shawl grows.

• Row 1 (RS): K1, *K2tog, YO, K2*; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 2 (WS): P1, *P2, YO, P2tog*; rep from * to last st, P1.
• Row 3: K1, *YO, SSK, K2*; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 4: P1, *P2tog, YO, P2*; rep from * to last st, P1.

Getting Started: The Top Point

We begin by casting on just 3 stitches and increasing to create the starting point of the shawl.

• Step 1: CO 3 sts.
• Row 1 (RS): K1, YO, K2. (4 sts)
• Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
• Row 3: K1, YO, K to end. (5 sts)
• Row 4: P all sts.
• Row 5: K1, YO, K to end. (6 sts)
• Row 6: P all sts.
• Row 7: K1, YO, K to end. (7 sts)
• Row 8: P all sts.

You now have 7 stitches on your needle. The shawl is beginning to take shape.

Begin the Lattice Stitch

Now we incorporate the Lattice Stitch pattern. On every RS row, you will work a YO after the first stitch to create the increase edge. The pattern will expand naturally as you add stitches.

• Row 9 (RS): K1, YO, work Row 1 of Lattice Stitch across to last st, K1. (8 sts)
• Row 10 (WS): P1, work Row 2 of Lattice Stitch across to last st, P1.
• Row 11: K1, YO, work Row 3 of Lattice Stitch across to last st, K1. (9 sts)
• Row 12: P1, work Row 4 of Lattice Stitch across to last st, P1.

Continue in this manner: Always work a YO after the first stitch on RS rows (this is the increase edge). The Lattice Stitch pattern will expand as you add stitches. Work until the shawl measures approximately 60 inches along the straight edge (the non-increasing edge), or until you reach your desired length. The shawl will naturally curve as you increase on one side.

Edging

Once you have reached the desired length, it is time to add a simple, slightly ruffled border that frames the lattice beautifully.

• Row 1 (RS): K1, YO, *K1, YO, K2tog*; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 2 (WS): K1, *P1, K1*; rep from * to end.
• Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as you bind off).

Finishing

The final step is what truly brings this shawl to life. Blocking opens up the lace pattern and gives the shawl its beautiful drape.

• Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Be sure to secure them well.
• Block aggressively: Soak the shawl in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay the shawl flat on a blocking mat, pinning out the points of the lattice diamonds and the edges to achieve the final dimensions. Allow it to dry completely.
• The finished shawl will be a long, asymmetrical triangle with a gentle curve, perfect for draping over your shoulders.

Enjoy your Whispering Pines Lattice Wrap—a piece of the forest, made by your own hands.