The Gilded Harvest Pocket Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Autumnal Wrap

Wrap Yourself in Autumn: Introducing the Gilded Harvest Pocket Shawl

There's a certain magic in the air when the leaves begin to turn, and the Gilded Harvest Pocket Shawl captures that feeling perfectly. This isn't just another wrap; it's a functional, textured hug designed to keep you cozy through crisp autumn days. Featuring a stunning honeycomb cable panel that runs down the center and two generously sized pockets, this shawl is as practical as it is beautiful. Knit from the top down in a warm gradient of burnt sienna and golden ochre, it's a statement piece that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this pattern will guide you through creating a luxurious, one-of-a-kind accessory.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the suggested yarn will help you achieve the exact look and feel of the original design.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two colors:
  • Color A (Burnt Sienna): 600 yards. Suggested: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Spiced Pumpkin'.
  • Color B (Golden Ochre): 400 yards. Suggested: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Butterscotch'.
• Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch or longer cable. A long cable is essential to hold the increasing number of stitches.
• Notions: Cable needle, stitch markers (at least 4), stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, blocked. Always check your gauge to ensure the finished size matches the pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked from the top down, creating a triangular shape. The instructions are broken down into clear sections. Read through all notes before starting.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.
• C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.
• M1L: Make one left (increase). Pick up the bar between stitches from front to back and knit through the back loop.
• M1R: Make one right (increase). Pick up the bar between stitches from back to front and knit through the front loop.
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• BO: Bind off

Pattern Notes

• The shawl is worked from the top down, starting at the neck edge.
• The honeycomb cable panel is centered, with garter stitch sections on each side.
• Pockets are worked separately and seamed onto the shawl.
• All WS (Wrong Side) rows are knit, which creates the garter stitch border.

Section 1: Shawl Body (Increasing and Cable Panel)

With Color A, CO 3 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): K1, M1L, K1, M1R, K1. (5 stitches)
Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
Row 3: K2, M1L, K1, M1R, K2. (7 stitches)
Row 4: Knit all stitches.
Row 5: K3, M1L, K1, M1R, K3. (9 stitches)
Row 6: Knit all stitches.
Row 7: K4, M1L, K1, M1R, K4. (11 stitches)
Row 8: Knit all stitches.
Row 9: K5, M1L, K1, M1R, K5. (13 stitches)
Row 10: Knit all stitches.

Begin Cable Panel:

Row 11 (RS): K5, PM, P2, K4, P2, PM, K5. (13 stitches)
Row 12 (WS): K5, SM, K2, P4, K2, SM, K5.
Row 13: K5, SM, P2, C4F, P2, SM, K5.
Row 14: K5, SM, K2, P4, K2, SM, K5.
Row 15: K5, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K5.
Row 16: K5, SM, K2, P4, K2, SM, K5.
Row 17: K5, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, K5.
Row 18: K5, SM, K2, P4, K2, SM, K5.

Increase Rows (every RS row):

Row 19: K2, M1L, K to marker, SM, work cable panel as established (Rows 11-18), SM, K to last 2 stitches, M1R, K2. (15 stitches)
Row 20: Knit all stitches, slipping markers.

Repeat Rows 19-20, working the cable panel pattern (Rows 11-18) continuously, until you have 99 stitches on the needle, ending with a WS row. The cable panel will be 8 stitches wide, and the garter stitch sections will grow.

Color Change: At the beginning of the next RS row, switch to Color B. Continue increasing as before until you have 147 stitches on the needle, ending with a WS row.

Section 2: Pocket Openings

Next RS Row: K2, M1L, K15, place next 20 stitches on a holder (for pocket opening), CO 20 stitches using backward loop method, K to marker, SM, work cable panel, SM, K to last 37 stitches, place next 20 stitches on a holder, CO 20 stitches, K to last 2 stitches, M1R, K2.

Continue working in pattern (with increases every RS row) for another 10 rows, working the new stitches in garter stitch.

Section 3: Final Shaping

Continue increasing every RS row until you have 195 stitches on the needle, ending with a WS row. Switch back to Color A and work 4 rows even (no increases) in garter stitch.

Bind Off: BO loosely in pattern (knitwise on RS). Weave in ends.

Section 4: Pockets (Make 2)

With Color B, pick up the 20 stitches from the holder. Work in Stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for 6 inches. BO loosely. Fold pocket up and sew side edges to the shawl body, leaving the top open. Repeat for second pocket.

Finishing

Block shawl to measurements (approx. 60 inches wide at top edge, 22 inches deep at center), pinning out points if desired. Allow to dry completely. This step is crucial for opening up the cable pattern and achieving the perfect drape.