Cosmopolitan Wrap

Cosmopolitan Wrap by Joji Locatelli

What is Being Made

The Cosmopolitan Wrap is a sophisticated knitted shawl designed by independent designer Joji Locatelli. This wrap measures 80 inches (200 cm) long and 26¾ inches (67 cm) wide, making it a versatile accessory suitable for any occasion. The wrap combines warmth and elegance, featuring a distinctive diamond-shaped lace pattern at the ends that creates a refined, polished appearance.

Construction Method

This wrap is constructed using a two-piece approach. The pattern is worked in two identical halves that are subsequently joined at the center, creating a symmetrical and balanced finished piece. This construction method allows for manageable working sections while maintaining the overall design integrity of the completed wrap.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Cosmopolitan Wrap employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its sophisticated aesthetic:

• Lace knitting: Diamond-shaped lace motifs feature prominently at the ends of the wrap, creating an open, elegant texture
• Yarn overs (yo): Used throughout the lace pattern to create the characteristic openwork design
• Slip stitches (sl1): Applied at pattern edges for clean selvage edges
• Centered double decreases (s2kp): Slip, slip, knit, pass slipped stitches over—a technique used in the lace pattern to create symmetrical decreases that balance the yarn overs
• Stockinette stitch: Likely used in non-lace sections to provide structure and contrast
• Purl stitches: Incorporated in the pattern rows for texture variation

Yarn and Materials

The Cosmopolitan Wrap is designed for DK weight yarn with good drape characteristics. The sample was created using approximately 1100 yards (1005 meters) of yarn, specifically 5 skeins of Yak DK by Suburban Stitcher in the colorway 'Cosmopolitan'. This yarn blend consists of 60% merino, 20% yak, and 20% silk, with each 100-gram skein yielding 231 yards (212 meters). The combination of these fibers creates a wrap that is both warm and cozy while maintaining the fluid drape essential for a sophisticated wrap design.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for US 8 (5 mm) needles to achieve the correct gauge. Additional materials needed include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and joining the two halves, as well as blocking pins or wires for finishing and shaping the completed wrap.

Gauge and Difficulty Level

The working gauge is 14 stitches and 22 rows in the lace pattern on US 8 (5 mm) needles. This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience in lace work and shaping techniques. The combination of lace patterning, symmetric construction, and the need to maintain consistent gauge throughout the project requires a solid understanding of fundamental knitting skills and the ability to read and follow charted lace instructions.