Rosanna Wrap

Rosanna Wrap by Triona Murphy

What is Being Made

The Rosanna Wrap is a generously sized knitted shawl measuring 75 inches in length and 13 inches in width, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping. This one-size design is crafted as a long, rectangular wrap that provides both warmth and sophisticated style.

Techniques Used

This wrap is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques worked in rows rather than in the round. The piece is worked back and forth on straight needles (or circular needles if preferred), making it accessible to knitters who prefer traditional flat construction methods. The primary stitch pattern featured throughout is the Zigzag Lace Stitch, which creates an openwork texture characteristic of lace knitting. This technique involves strategic yarn overs and decreases to form the decorative zigzag motif.

Stitches Used

The Rosanna Wrap employs classic knitting stitches combined to achieve its lace pattern:

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used to create texture and pattern definition
• Yarn over (yo) – creates the openwork eyelets characteristic of lace knitting
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease achieved by slipping two stitches as if to knit, then inserting the left needle through the front loops and knitting them together
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Purl two together (p2tog) – a decrease worked on the purl side

These stitches are combined in the Zigzag Lace Stitch pattern, which is provided in both chart and written directions for knitter preference.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Rosanna Wrap is designed using Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, a 100% merino wool yarn in the 4-ply weight category. The specified colorway is Tart. Two skeins are required, with each skein providing 420 yards (384 meters) of yardage per 100 grams, offering ample yardage for the finished dimensions.

Needles: US #6 [4.0 mm] straight needles are recommended, though circular needles of the same size may be substituted if preferred, as the piece is worked back and forth in rows rather than in continuous rounds.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the Zigzag Lace Stitch after blocking, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Additional Notions: A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends. Optional notions include a piece of cardboard and a crochet hook for creating fringe if desired as a finishing detail.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace stitches and understand how to read stitch charts or follow written pattern directions.