Ava's Wrap

Ava's Wrap by Julie Blagojevich

What is Being Made

Ava's Wrap is a crocheted shawl designed by Julie Blagojevich. This is an intermediate-level crochet project that creates a curved, wrap-style shawl suitable for draping around the shoulders. The finished dimensions measure 59 inches along the inside curve, 77 inches along the outside curve, and 10 inches at the widest point, making it a generous accessory for layering and warmth.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

The wrap employs several fundamental crochet techniques to achieve its curved shawl shape. The pattern uses short rows as a primary shaping method, which creates the gradual widening and curved silhouette characteristic of wrap-style shawls. This technique involves working partial rows that increase in length, allowing the fabric to naturally curve and contour.

The construction begins with a foundation chain of 30 stitches, establishing the base width of the wrap. The pattern then progresses through multiple rows of alternating stitches, creating texture and structure throughout the piece. Short-row shaping is introduced in Row 7 and continues through subsequent rows to develop the wrap's distinctive curved profile.

Stitches Used

Ava's Wrap utilizes a limited but effective combination of basic crochet stitches:

• Single Crochet (sc) – provides a tight, dense base for structure
• Double Crochet (dc) – creates a more open, flowing fabric when alternated with single crochet
• Chain Stitch (ch) – used for foundation and turning chains
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – for joining and finishing
• Triple Crochet (tr) – included in the stitch abbreviations for potential use in the pattern
• Picot Special Stitch – a decorative element created by working (single crochet, chain 3, single crochet) in the same stitch, adding an ornamental edge detail

The alternating pattern of single crochet and double crochet stitches creates a balanced fabric with both structure and drape, essential for a wearable wrap that maintains its shape while remaining comfortable and flexible.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Ava's Wrap is worked using Lana Grossa Lace Lux yarn in color 002. This yarn is a luxury blend composed of 33% Merino wool and 67% viscose, offering both warmth and breathability. The yarn provides approximately 310 meters of yardage, and the pattern requires 2 balls of yarn, yielding roughly 620 meters of total fiber for the completed wrap.

The yarn weight is classified as 4-ply, a medium-weight yarn that works well for creating drape and definition in shawl projects. The Merino and viscose blend creates a soft, lustrous fabric with natural elasticity, making it ideal for a wrap that will be worn close to the body.

Tools and Notions

The project requires a size G (4.00mm) crochet hook, which is appropriately sized for 4-ply yarn and creates a fabric with good stitch definition. A darning needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing the wrap neatly after blocking.

Finishing and Blocking

The dimensions provided (59 inches inside curve, 77 inches outside curve, 10 inches at widest point) are measurements after blocking, indicating that the wrap benefits from wet blocking to achieve its final shape and dimensions. Blocking helps even out stitches, sets the picot edging, and allows the fabric to relax into its intended curved form.