Plumage wrap

Plumage Wrap by Katherine Vaughan

What is Being Made

The Plumage Wrap is a lace shawl designed by Katherine Vaughan that knits up quickly in DK weight yarn on large needles. This wrap measures approximately 20 inches wide by 74 inches long (56cm by 183cm), making it a generous accessory suitable for draping around the shoulders or wearing as a decorative wrap. The design features an open, airy construction that showcases intricate lace patterning throughout.

Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs several key techniques to create its signature aesthetic. The wrap features frequent yarnovers and decreases arranged strategically to produce a wave and feather motif across the fabric. A notable design feature simplifies the knitting process: every wrong side stitch is purled, which makes this lace project much easier to execute than many comparable lace wraps. The use of a central double decrease (Cdd) stitch—where two stitches are slipped as if to knit two together, the next stitch is knit, and the two slipped stitches are passed over the knit stitch—creates the structured decreases necessary for the feather patterning.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the foundation fabric with knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side
• Plumage Lace Stitch: The signature open stitch pattern created through the combination of yarnovers and decreases
• Central Double Decrease (Cdd): A specialized decrease technique that creates the structured feather and wave effects
• Yarnover: Used frequently throughout to create the openwork and lace characteristics

Materials and Tools

This project requires 750 yards (686 meters) of DK weight yarn, which allows the wrap to be completed relatively quickly given the large needle size and open stitch pattern. Knitters will need one set of size US9 (5.5mm) needles or the appropriate size needed to match gauge. Additional supplies include seven stitch markers (optional but helpful for tracking pattern repeats), a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and blocking wires and pins for finishing. String or unwaxed dental floss is recommended as an optional lifeline to secure stitches during the knitting process, providing insurance against dropped stitches in the delicate lace sections.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The wrap should measure 18 stitches and 25 rows to 4 inches (10cm) in Stockinette stitch, while the Plumage Lace stitch should measure 16 stitches and 24 rows to 4 inches (10cm). The pattern begins with casting on 81 stitches loosely, which provides the foundation for the wrap's width and allows the lace pattern to develop properly.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an advanced project, the Plumage Wrap is designed for experienced knitters who are comfortable reading lace charts, managing multiple decreases and yarnovers, and understanding how to work complex stitch patterns. However, the design's inclusion of purled wrong-side rows—rather than more complex wrong-side lace stitches—makes it more accessible than many advanced lace projects, allowing knitters to focus on the right-side pattern work.