The Caramel Cloud Shawl Free Pattern – A Knitted Brown Butter Wrap with Honeycomb Lace
The Caramel Cloud Shawl: A Knitted Brown Butter Wrap with Honeycomb Lace
Wrap yourself in the cozy luxury of browned butter with this uniquely textured knitted shawl. The Caramel Cloud Shawl features a rich gradient of caramel, toffee, and cream, creating a modern heirloom piece perfect for cool evenings. The honeycomb lace panels add a subtle, geometric texture that catches the light beautifully, while the soft, drapey shape makes it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or looking for your next rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, buttery-soft wrap that feels like a warm embrace.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 shades:
- Caramel (MC) – 400g
- Toffee (CC1) – 150g
- Cream (CC2) – 150g
- Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needle with a 32-inch cable (or longer for comfort as stitches increase).
- Notions: Stitch markers (at least 4), tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve gauge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This shawl is knitted from the top center down, with increases at the edges and center to form a triangular shape. The honeycomb lace pattern is worked in sections, with solid stockinette stripes between to let the yarn shine. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, cozy wrap in no time.
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- yo = yarn over
- k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
- rep = repeat
Setup
Cast on 3 stitches with MC (Caramel). Knit 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). Turn the work 90 degrees and pick up and knit 3 stitches along the side edge. Turn again and pick up 3 stitches from the cast-on edge. You should now have 9 stitches on your needle.
Garter Stitch Base
Now we'll establish the increase pattern that forms the shawl's triangular shape. Place markers as indicated to separate the edge stitches from the center section.
Row 1 (RS): k3, yo, pm, k1, yo, pm, k1, yo, pm, k1, yo, k3 – you now have 13 stitches.
Row 2 (WS): k3, p to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 3 (RS): k3, yo, sm, k1, yo, sm, k1, yo, sm, k1, yo, k3 – 17 stitches.
Row 4: k3, p to last 3, k3.
Repeat Rows 3-4 until you have 41 stitches (after a RS row). This forms the garter stitch base. Your stitch markers now divide the work: 3 edge stitches, 1 stitch, 1 center stitch, 1 stitch, and 3 edge stitches (with yarn overs on each side of the marked stitches on RS rows).
Honeycomb Lace Section 1 (MC)
Now we begin the honeycomb lace pattern. This is worked over the center 35 stitches (between the edge increases), with 3-stitch garter edges maintained throughout.
Row 1 (RS): k3, yo, sm, *k2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1* rep from * to * 4 times, yo, sm, k1, yo, k3 – 45 stitches.
Row 2 (WS): k3, p to last 3, k3.
Row 3: k3, yo, sm, *k3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2* rep from * to * 4 times, yo, sm, k1, yo, k3 – 49 stitches.
Row 4: k3, p to last 3, k3.
Row 5: k3, yo, sm, *k4, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3* rep from * to * 4 times, yo, sm, k1, yo, k3 – 53 stitches.
Row 6: k3, p to last 3, k3.
Row 7: k3, yo, sm, *k5, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k4* rep from * to * 4 times, yo, sm, k1, yo, k3 – 57 stitches.
Row 8: k3, p to last 3, k3.
Solid Stripe (MC)
Continue in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) while maintaining the edge increases on every RS row: k3, yo, sm, ... yo, k3. Work this for 10 rows. You will have 67 stitches.
Honeycomb Lace Section 2 (CC1 – Toffee)
Switch to CC1 (Toffee). Repeat the 8-row honeycomb lace pattern as above, but now the center section has 61 stitches (since you have more stitches total). Work the pattern repeats across, maintaining the edge increases. After completing 8 rows, you will have 71 stitches.
Solid Stripe (CC1)
Continue with CC1 in stockinette stitch with edge increases for 10 rows – you will have 81 stitches.
Honeycomb Lace Section 3 (MC)
Switch back to MC (Caramel). Repeat the 8-row lace pattern – you will have 85 stitches after completing these rows.
Solid Stripe (MC)
Work 10 rows of stockinette with edge increases – 95 stitches.
Honeycomb Lace Section 4 (CC2 – Cream)
Switch to CC2 (Cream). Repeat the 8-row lace pattern – 99 stitches.
Solid Stripe (CC2)
Work 10 rows of stockinette with edge increases – 109 stitches.
Honeycomb Lace Section 5 (MC)
Switch back to MC. Repeat the 8-row lace pattern – 113 stitches.
Final Solid Stripe (MC)
Work 10 rows of stockinette with edge increases – 123 stitches.
Edging
Now we'll add a delicate, slightly ruffled edging to finish the shawl beautifully.
Row 1 (RS): k3, yo, sm, *k2tog, yo* rep from * to * to last 3 sts, yo, k3 – 125 stitches.
Row 2 (WS): k3, p to last 3, k3.
Row 3: k3, yo, sm, *k1, yo, k2tog* rep from * to * to last 3 sts, yo, k3 – 127 stitches.
Row 4: k3, p to last 3, k3.
Bind off loosely. For a stretchy bind-off, use a larger needle (US 10/6.0mm) or use a lace bind-off method (such as the "yarn over bind-off" or "Jeny's surprisingly stretchy bind-off").
Finishing
Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle, being careful to secure them well within the fabric. Block the shawl to shape, pinning out the lace points to open up the honeycomb pattern. This step is crucial for the lace to look its best – wet block or steam block according to your yarn's care instructions. Once dry, your Caramel Cloud Shawl is ready to enjoy!
This cozy, buttery wrap is perfect for snuggling up on cool evenings, draping over your shoulders at outdoor gatherings, or gifting to someone special. The combination of rich caramel, warm toffee, and soft cream creates a gradient that's both sophisticated and inviting. Happy knitting!
