The Anatolian Amber Wrap: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Seljuk-Inspired Triangular Shawl

Wrap Yourself in History: The Anatolian Amber Wrap

Imagine wrapping yourself in a piece of history—a shawl that carries the echoes of ancient Seljuk architecture, translated into soft, wearable art. The Anatolian Amber Wrap is a richly textured triangular shawl that combines a deep ruby red with warm amber tones, creating a stunning accessory that feels both ancient and modern. This free knitting pattern is designed for adventurous beginners and intermediate knitters alike, featuring a captivating combination of brioche stitch and simple lace to form geometric, diamond-like motifs. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for a evening stroll, this wrap will add a touch of timeless elegance to any outfit.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the exact specifications will ensure your shawl matches the intended size and drape.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Color A (Ruby Red): 400 yards
  • Color B (Amber Gold): 300 yards
• Needle: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needle, 32 inches or longer (to accommodate the increasing number of stitches).
• Notions: Stitch markers (optional, for marking center increases), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking pins and mats.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Gauge is not critical for this shawl, but consistency will affect yardage and final size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This shawl is worked from the top center down, increasing at the center and edges to form a triangle. The pattern uses a combination of brioche stitch and simple lace to create a geometric, Seljuk-inspired motif. Read through all instructions before beginning.

Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• yo: yarn over
• k2tog: knit two together
• ssk: slip slip knit (slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, then knit them together through the back loops)
• brk: brioche knit (knit the stitch together with its yarn over from the previous row)
• brp: brioche purl (purl the stitch together with its yarn over from the previous row)
• sl1yo: slip 1 with yarn over (bring yarn to front, slip next stitch purlwise, then bring yarn over needle to back) – used on RS rows
• sl1yo (purl side): slip 1 with yarn over (bring yarn to back, slip next stitch purlwise, then bring yarn over needle to front) – used on WS rows

Setup

With Color A, cast on 3 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (5 stitches)
• Row 2 (WS): k1, p1, yo, p1, yo, p1, k1. (7 stitches)
• Row 3: k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (11 stitches)
• Row 4: k1, p to last stitch, k1. (11 stitches)

Begin Pattern

Row 5 (RS, Color A): k1, yo, k1, yo, sl1yo, k1, sl1yo, yo, k1, yo, k1. (15 stitches)

Row 6 (WS, Color A): k1, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, k1. (15 stitches)

Row 7 (RS, Color B): k1, yo, k1, yo, sl1yo, brk, sl1yo, yo, k1, yo, sl1yo, brk, sl1yo, yo, k1, yo, k1. (21 stitches)

Row 8 (WS, Color B): k1, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, k1. (21 stitches)

Row 9 (RS, Color A): k1, yo, k1, yo, sl1yo, brk, sl1yo, yo, k1, yo, sl1yo, brk, sl1yo, yo, k1, yo, sl1yo, brk, sl1yo, yo, k1, yo, k1. (27 stitches)

Row 10 (WS, Color A): k1, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, brp, p1, k1. (27 stitches)

Repeat Pattern

Repeat Rows 7-10 until the shawl reaches your desired size, ending with a WS row. The pattern will create a repeating diamond motif with brioche columns. Each 4-row repeat adds 6 stitches (2 at each edge and 2 at the center). For a standard-sized shawl, repeat until you have approximately 150-200 stitches, or until you have used most of your yarn, leaving enough for the edging.

Edging (Optional)

With Color A, work 3 rows of garter stitch (knit every row) across all stitches, increasing 1 stitch at each end of every row (k1, yo, knit to last stitch, yo, k1). Bind off loosely to maintain a flexible edge.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block the shawl to shape: soak in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), lay flat on a towel, and roll to remove more moisture. Pin out the shawl on a blocking mat, stretching the points to open up the lace and brioche texture. Allow to dry completely before unpinning.

Your Anatolian Amber Wrap is now complete! Wear it with pride, knowing you've created a piece that bridges centuries of artistry.