Willow Wrap

Willow Wrap by Diana VanAmburg

What Is Being Made

The Willow Wrap is a fingering weight knitted shawl designed by Diana VanAmburg. This intermediate-level project creates a generous rectangular wrap measuring 79 inches in length and 21 inches in depth when blocked. The design accommodates both solid color and multi-color variations, making it versatile for different yarn stash preferences and color work interests.

Yarn and Materials

This shawl is worked in fingering weight yarn, which creates delicate, refined fabric suitable for the wrap's elegant drape. For a solid color version, the project requires 1200 yards of yarn. Alternatively, crafters can work a three-color version using Color A (600 yards), Color B (300 yards), and Color C (300 yards), allowing for creative color blocking and striping effects throughout the 13 sections of the pattern.

Additional materials include Size 7 (4.5 mm) needles for working the fingering weight yarn at the specified gauge. Optional stitch markers assist with tracking pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing.

Techniques and Stitches

The Willow Wrap employs classic knitting techniques suitable for intermediate knitters. The pattern is constructed in 13 distinct sections, each building upon previous work to create the full wrap dimensions.

• Stockinette Stitch: The foundation stitch for the wrap, worked at a gauge of 7 stitches per 1 inch, creating a smooth, refined fabric base
• Yarn Overs (yo): Used to create decorative eyelets and lace elements throughout the pattern sections
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs to form lace motifs and maintain stitch count
• Purl Stitches (p): Create textured contrast and define pattern sections within the wrap
• Purl Two Together (p2tog): A decrease worked on purl rows to maintain pattern consistency
• Cast On: The pattern begins with casting on 111 stitches, providing the foundation for the wrap's width

Pattern Structure

The Willow Wrap is organized into 13 sections, each with specific row-by-row instructions. The written instructions include abbreviations for ease of reading and reference. The repeating pattern sequences use parentheses to indicate sections that are worked multiple times across each row, making the pattern efficient and manageable for intermediate knitters.

Finished Dimensions and Gauge

When blocked, the completed Willow Wrap measures 79 inches in length and 21 inches in depth, creating a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping. The specified gauge of 7 stitches per 1 inch in stockinette stitch is essential for achieving these finished dimensions and ensuring proper yarn yardage calculations.