Magdalena Wrap

Magdalena Wrap by Jamie Kreitman

What Is Being Made

The Magdalena Wrap is a free-form knitted shawl designed by Jamie Kreitman for Pretty Cripple. This versatile wrap comes in three sizes—Small (40" length), Medium (44" length), and Large (48" length)—allowing knitters to choose their preferred finished look. The design is intentionally flexible, encouraging customization and personal creative expression throughout the knitting process.

Design Philosophy and Customization

This pattern embraces a free-form approach, serving as a guide to achieve the Pretty Cripple x Jamie Kreitman® aesthetic rather than a rigid set of instructions. Knitters are actively encouraged to alter and customize the wrap as they work, including the freedom to select their own color palette and mix of yarns and textures. Stitch substitutions are fully supported—knitters may replace suggested stitches with alternatives such as stockinette stitch or seed stitch based on personal preference. The pattern notes that gauge changes resulting from stitch substitutions should be monitored, with finished measurements provided as reference points to maintain the intended proportions.

Techniques and Construction

The Magdalena Wrap employs mixed-yarn knitting techniques, combining multiple yarn weights and fiber types in a single project. This approach creates visual interest and textural variation throughout the finished piece. The pattern accommodates novelty yarns, ribbon yarns, and unconventional materials like poly chiffon fabric strips, expanding beyond traditional knitting yarns. For those choosing to include the optional hood, additional yardage of the main yarn is required. Button closures are incorporated into the design, with two larger buttons (70mm) and one smaller button (28mm) providing functional fastening options.

Stitches and Stitch Options

While specific stitch sequences are provided as the foundation pattern, the design explicitly allows for stitch substitution and variation. Suggested stitches include stockinette stitch and seed stitch, though knitters are welcome to introduce other stitch patterns of their choosing. The pattern incorporates center rows worked in novelty yarn, creating a distinctive focal line through the wrap. This flexibility in stitch selection makes the pattern accessible to knitters of varying skill levels while maintaining design cohesion.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Magdalena Wrap utilizes a diverse range of yarn weights and fiber types, reflecting its free-form, mixed-media aesthetic:

• Main Yarn A: #6 weight/Super Bulky yarn in assorted colors—3 skeins total (6 oz/170g per skein at 106 yards/97 meters each). The pattern suggests Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick N' Quick in Hometown colorways as an example, though any super bulky yarn may be substituted. An additional 4 oz/113.4g of main yarn is needed if the optional hood is included.
• Trim Yarn B: Mohair in #3 weight—4 oz/133g total. Mohair adds a delicate, fuzzy texture to trim sections.
• Trim Yarn C: Ribbon yarn, tape yarn, or t-shirt yarn—4 oz/133g total. These specialty yarns contribute unique visual and tactile qualities to the finished wrap.
• Trim Yarn D: Poly chiffon fabric strips measuring 1" in width—1/4 yard (0.22 meters) per color. Fabric strips introduce an unconventional material element, expanding the definition of knitting yarns.
• Trim Yarn E: #7 weight novelty yarn for center rows—4 oz/133g total. This yarn creates a distinctive centerline detail.
• Buttons: Two larger buttons measuring 70mm (approximately 2.75") in coconut, wooden, or shell materials, and one smaller button measuring 28mm (approximately 1.1"). These closures are both functional and decorative.
• Needles: Appropriate needle size should be selected based on the chosen yarn weight and desired gauge, with size adjustments made as needed when substituting yarns or stitches.

Difficulty Level

The Magdalena Wrap is rated as a beginner-friendly project, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft. The free-form nature of the pattern reduces pressure for precision, and the encouragement to customize and experiment supports a learning-friendly environment. Beginners can practice fundamental knitting techniques while developing confidence in their ability to make creative decisions about their work.

Yarn Weight Versatility

This pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights, including 3-ply