The Ember Glow Mosaic Shawl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Dramatic, Color-Blocked Wrap

The Ember Glow Mosaic Shawl: A Dramatic, Color-Blocked Wrap

This stunning shawl uses mosaic knitting to create bold, geometric color blocks without the fuss of carrying multiple yarns per row. The asymmetrical shape and rich, autumnal palette make it a modern statement piece for any wardrobe. Perfect for intermediate beginners, this pattern introduces you to the magic of slipped-stitch colorwork—where each row uses only one color, but the interplay of slipped stitches creates a complex, woven look. The result is a cozy, dramatic wrap that feels both modern and timeless.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two contrasting colors:
  • Color A (Main Color): 400 yards (sample uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Damasco' – a deep burnt orange)
  • Color B (Contrast Color): 350 yards (sample uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Piedras' – a warm, speckled charcoal brown)
• Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) 32-inch circular needle (or size to obtain gauge). The circular needle is used to accommodate the growing number of stitches; you will work flat, not in the round.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Gauge is not critical but affects yardage.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers (optional, to mark increase points), blocking pins and mats.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes Before You Begin

• This shawl is worked flat from the top center point down, increasing on one side to create an asymmetrical triangle.
• Mosaic knitting is worked using slipped stitches; only one color is used per row.
• Always slip stitches purlwise with yarn in back (wyib) on right-side rows, and with yarn in front (wyif) on wrong-side rows.
• The shawl begins with a small garter tab, then transitions into the mosaic pattern, and finishes with a garter stitch border.

Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sl: slip stitch purlwise
• wyib: with yarn in back
• wyif: with yarn in front
• yo: yarn over
• k2tog: knit two together
• M1L: make one left (increase)
• M1R: make one right (increase)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Pattern Instructions

Garter Tab Foundation

With Color A, cast on 3 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 — 5 stitches.

Row 2 (WS): k1, p3, k1.

Row 3: k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 — 8 stitches.

Row 4: k1, p6, k1.

Row 5: k1, yo, k2, yo, k2, yo, k1 — 11 stitches.

Row 6: k1, p9, k1.

Begin Mosaic Section

Now you will work the mosaic pattern. The increases continue on every RS row (via a yarn over after the first stitch), while the slipped stitches create the vertical stripes.

Row 7 (RS, Color B): k1, yo, k1, *sl1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch remains, k1. — 12 stitches (1 increase made).

Row 8 (WS, Color B): k1, *sl1 wyif, p1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, sl1 wyif, k1.

Row 9 (RS, Color A): k1, yo, k2, *sl1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, k2. — 13 stitches.

Row 10 (WS, Color A): k1, p2, *sl1 wyif, p1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, p1, k1.

Row 11 (RS, Color B): k1, yo, k1, *sl1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch remains, k1. — 14 stitches.

Row 12 (WS, Color B): k1, *sl1 wyif, p1* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch remains, k1.

Row 13 (RS, Color A): k1, yo, k2, *sl1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, k2. — 15 stitches.

Row 14 (WS, Color A): k1, p2, *sl1 wyif, p1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, p1, k1.

Repeat Rows 7-14 until the shawl measures approximately 60 inches along the long edge (the edge opposite the increases), ending with a Row 14 (WS) of Color A. The shawl will have a series of vertical stripes created by the slipped stitches. As you repeat, the pattern will naturally grow: each 8-row repeat adds 8 stitches (1 increase per RS row × 8 rows = 8 stitches). The slipped stitches will form columns that alternate between Color A and Color B.

Final Section: Garter Stitch Border

Switch to Color A only. This border creates a clean, textured edge that frames the mosaic work.

Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, knit to last stitch, k1. (increase 1 stitch)

Row 2 (WS): knit all stitches.

Repeat these 2 rows 5 more times (6 total increases). After the last WS row, bind off loosely knitwise. To bind off loosely, use a needle one size larger or work a standard bind-off with a relaxed tension.

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), and lay flat on blocking mats. Pin out the points to accentuate the geometric design—stretch the long edge gently to create a gentle curve, and pin the top edge straight. Allow to dry completely before removing pins.

Your Ember Glow Mosaic Shawl is complete! The rich, autumnal colors and bold geometric stripes will make this a cherished accessory for years to come.