Blue Sky Fibers Etched Rio Wrap PDF

Blue Sky Fibers Etched Rio Wrap by Sarah Smuland

What Is Being Made

The Etched Rio Wrap is a versatile knitted wrap designed by Sarah Smuland as part of Blue Sky Fibers' Traveler Series. This piece measures 32 inches in length and 17¾ inches in width, making it an ideal accessory for both casual daywear and elegant evening occasions. The wrap features a classic stockinette base fabric accented with a simple lace panel, creating visual interest while maintaining a refined aesthetic. The finished wrap showcases beautiful shine and exquisite drape, qualities that make it suitable for travel and everyday wear.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Blue Sky Fibers Metalico, a luxury blend yarn composed of 50% Baby Alpaca and 50% Silk. The yarn is worked at a DK weight, with yardage of 147 yards per 50-gram hank. The pattern requires 6 hanks total, providing approximately 882 yards of material. Knitters will also need Size 3 (3.25mm) needles or the appropriate size to achieve the specified gauge, along with a stitch marker and tapestry needle for finishing.

Techniques and Construction

The Etched Rio Wrap is constructed using several key knitting techniques that work together to create its elegant finished appearance:

• Worked Flat: The wrap is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward construction and easy incorporation of the lace panel
• Seamed Construction: Seaming techniques are employed in the finishing process to join sections and create clean edges
• Lace Work: A simple lace panel highlights the stockinette base, adding delicate texture and visual dimension without overwhelming the design

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace techniques. Key stitches include:

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Knit (k) and Purl (p): Basic stitches that form the foundation of the wrap
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in lace sections
• Slip, Knit Two Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sk2p): A centered double decrease that creates elegant lace motifs
• Yarn Over (yo): The essential lace stitch that creates openwork holes and increases

Additional abbreviations support pattern reading, including stitch markers (pm, sm), directional indicators (RS for right side, WS for wrong side), and yarn positioning notes (wyib for with yarn in back, wyif for with yarn in front).

Skill Level and Gauge

This wrap is rated as Advanced Beginner level, making it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to incorporate lace elements. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential to achieve the intended finished dimensions and drape of the completed wrap.