Rockrose Wrap

Rockrose Wrap by Charlotte Walford

What is Being Made

The Rockrose Wrap is a delicate lace knit scarf designed by Charlotte Walford, measuring approximately 35.5cm x 195.5cm (14" x 77") after blocking. This wrap features botanical-inspired lace patterns that celebrate blooming flowers, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping. The design showcases multiple lace stitch patterns that transition seamlessly into one another, creating visual interest through thoughtful pattern placement and modification.

Techniques and Stitch Patterns

The Rockrose Wrap employs several advanced lace knitting techniques to achieve its botanical aesthetic. The design features a selection of original lace patterns, including a distinctive leaf chart pattern and a tulip chart pattern, along with an unusual original lace border. Rather than using repetitive stitch patterns with long repeats, Charlotte Walford has deliberately chosen shorter repeats that allow for creative transitions between different stitch patterns. This approach enables the designer to modify patterns strategically, blending one into the next to create a cohesive and interesting knit that feels organic and flowing.

The wrap incorporates a provisional cast on technique, which requires a crochet hook and waste yarn. Additionally, beads are added during the cast off process using a 1.0mm crochet hook, providing decorative embellishment to the finished edge. Stitch markers are optional but recommended to help track pattern changes throughout the knit.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Fyberspates Gleem Lace in shade #706/Sea Green is used for this project. This lace-weight yarn is composed of 55% Bluefaced Leicester Wool and 45% Silk, offering a luxurious blend that provides both structure and drape. One 100g skein, which contains 800 meters of yarn, is sufficient to complete the wrap.

Needles and Notions: The pattern uses two needle sizes to accommodate different stitch patterns and achieve proper tension. A 3.25mm (US 3) straight needle is used for the leaf chart pattern, while a 3.5mm (US 4) straight needle is used for the tulip chart pattern. Both needle sizes are essential for maintaining correct gauge throughout the project. Additional notions include a crochet hook for the provisional cast on, waste yarn, seven optional stitch markers, a 1.0mm crochet hook for bead application, approximately 90 beads in size 8 or larger, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Tension and Difficulty

The Rockrose Wrap is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore lace patterns and more complex techniques. Proper tension is critical for achieving the intended finished dimensions and ensuring the lace patterns bloom correctly after blocking. The pattern specifies 24 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in the leaf chart pattern using 3.25mm needles, and 24 stitches and 27 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in the tulip chart pattern using 3.5mm needles, with all measurements taken after blocking. Blocking is essential for this project, as it opens up the lace stitches and allows the botanical motifs to fully develop.