Impressions Charm Wrap

Impressions Charm Wrap by Brigitte Reydams

Project Overview

The Impressions Charm Wrap is a beginner-friendly shawl designed by independent designer Brigitte Reydams. This versatile wrap combines knitting and crochet techniques to create a sophisticated layering piece that measures 70 inches when worn, with a finished height of 15 inches. The design features a two-color colorway approach, blending chunky and super chunky yarn weights for visual interest and texture.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a rectangular wrap suitable for draping over shoulders or wearing as a generous scarf. The finished wrap measures 60 inches in length with garter stitch edges on both ends, and stretches to 70 inches when worn. The design incorporates a main body section worked in stockinette stitch, flanked by two decorative garter stitch panels that add dimension and visual appeal to the finished garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Garter stitch - worked for the initial 4-row border and for the decorative side panels
• Stockinette stitch - forms the primary body of the wrap for 15 inches in height
• Casting on - 120 stitches are cast on to begin the main section
• Picking up stitches - 40 stitches are picked up along the lower edge width to create the side panels
• Binding off - stitches are bound off loosely to maintain flexibility and drape

Crochet Techniques Used

• Single crochet - one row worked along the bind-off row with contrasting yarn
• Reverse crochet (also called crab stitch) - one row worked to create a decorative finished edge

Stitches and Stitch Details

The wrap employs a simple stitch palette appropriate for beginner crafters. The main body relies on stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, refined surface ideal for showcasing yarn color and texture. Garter stitch frames the piece, providing structure and a subtle ribbed appearance. The crochet finishing uses single crochet and reverse crochet stitches to add a polished border detail that prevents curling and enhances the wrap's edges.

Materials and Yarn

• Prism Impressions (Brass colorway) - 2 full skeins for the main body and side panels
• Prism Symphony (Zinnia colorway) - 1 skein for the crochet edging
• Yarn weight - chunky and super chunky weights create a substantial, cozy fabric
• Gauge - 2 stitches per inch

Tools Required

• Knitting needles - Size 13-15 (needle size preference allows customization; larger needles create a looser fit while smaller needles within the range create a tighter fit; designer recommends knitting a small swatch to test your preferred needle size)
• Crochet hook - Size H for the finishing edging

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Impressions Charm Wrap is accessible to newer crafters. The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches and basic crochet techniques. The straightforward construction—a rectangular body with simple panels—requires no complex shaping or advanced stitch work, making it an ideal project for building foundational skills in both knitting and crochet.

Design Features

The wrap's design emphasizes texture and color contrast. The combination of Prism Impressions in Brass with Prism Symphony in Zinnia creates visual depth, while the mix of garter and stockinette stitches adds tactile interest. The crochet edging in the contrasting Zinnia colorway frames the piece and provides a finished, professional appearance. The gauge of 2 stitches per inch, combined with chunky yarn, ensures the wrap works up quickly despite its generous finished size.