K823-Arbor Wrap

K823 – Arbor Wrap by Nazanin Fard

What is Being Made

The Arbor Wrap is a beautiful knitted shawl designed by Nazanin Fard. This wrap features an elegant lace pattern that creates a delicate mesh fabric, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping. The design combines decorative lace edging on the top and bottom with an intricate stitch pattern throughout, resulting in a refined garment that works well for both casual and dressed-up occasions.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft. The Arbor Wrap is worked primarily with knitting needles, though a crochet hook is also used as a finishing tool. The intermediate difficulty level makes this pattern suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns and shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Arbor Wrap showcases a sophisticated Arbor Pattern that repeats over a multiple of 16 stitches plus 1. This lace pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette stitch – The base fabric used to establish gauge and form the foundation of the wrap
• Yarn overs (yo) – Used extensively throughout the Arbor Pattern to create the characteristic openwork and mesh effect
• Knit stitches (k) – Standard knit stitches that form the structure of the pattern
• Purl stitches (p) – Purl stitches create texture and visual interest, particularly in the vertical lines of the pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used to balance the yarn overs and create the lace openings
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – A left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog to form symmetrical decreases within the lace motif
• Slip 1 with yarn in back (sl1 wyib) – A technique used for edge stitches to create a neat, finished appearance

The Arbor Pattern is worked over multiple rows, with even-numbered rows following a straightforward rule: purl the purls and knit the knits, which simplifies the pattern reading while maintaining the integrity of the lace design. The pattern rows create a repeating motif that builds the characteristic mesh fabric throughout the wrap.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The Arbor Wrap is designed to be worked in sport weight yarn. The pattern calls for 329 yards (117 grams) of yarn in the colorway Posy, requiring 2 skeins to complete the project. Sport weight yarn is a lightweight option that creates a delicate, drapey fabric ideal for lace shawls and wraps.

Needles and Tools: This pattern requires US size 5 (3.75 mm) knitting needles or the size necessary to obtain the correct gauge. A US size F/7 (3.75 mm) crochet hook is also needed, likely for finishing techniques such as binding off or adding edging. Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and maintaining accuracy throughout the project.

Additional Materials: Smooth, light-colored waste sport weight yarn is recommended for use as a provisional cast-on, allowing for a flexible, finished edge that can be grafted or otherwise finished after the main body of the wrap is complete.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) when worked with size 5 needles in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the wrap reaches its intended finished dimensions and drapes properly.