LM Wrap

LM Wrap by Stana D. Sortor

What is Being Made

The LM Wrap is a generous knitted shawl designed by independent designer Stana D. Sortor. This rectangular wrap measures 76 inches (193 centimeters) in length and 21 inches (54 centimeters) in width, making it an ideal accessory for draping across the shoulders or wearing as a lightweight wrap. The finished dimensions provide ample coverage while maintaining a portable, packable design suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Craft and Difficulty Level

This project is created using the knitting craft and is classified as a beginner-level design. The straightforward construction and use of fundamental knitting techniques make this wrap an excellent choice for knitters who are developing their skills and seeking a satisfying, wearable finished project.

Techniques Used

The LM Wrap employs several essential knitting techniques that build foundational skills:

• 2 x 2 Rib Pattern: A classic ribbed stitch worked flat over multiples of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches at the end. This technique alternates knit and purl stitches in a structured pattern, creating vertical columns that add elasticity and visual interest to the fabric.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used to establish gauge, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic knitted appearance.
• Knit Front and Back (KFB): An increase technique that creates two stitches from a single stitch, allowing the knitter to expand stitch counts where shaping is needed.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A decrease technique that combines two stitches into one, used to shape and refine the wrap's structure.
• Flat Knitting: The wrap is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible for knitters of all experience levels.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates fundamental stitches essential to knitting:

• Knit (K): The basic stitch that forms the foundation of the fabric.
• Purl (P): The reverse of the knit stitch, used in combination to create textured patterns and ribbing.
• Cast On (CO): The foundational technique used to create the initial loops on the needle.

The wrap features a 2 x 2 Rib pattern worked over multiples of 4 stitches plus 2 edge stitches, and a secondary pattern worked over multiples of 11 stitches plus 6 stitches at the beginning. These stitch patterns are repeated throughout the wrap to create visual texture and structure.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The LM Wrap is designed to be worked in aran-weight yarn, which provides a balanced thickness ideal for creating fabric with good drape and durability. The suggested yarn is Caron Cakes, a blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool that offers practical care and a blend of fiber properties. Each skein contains 383 yards (350 meters) and weighs 200 grams; the pattern requires 3 skeins to complete the finished wrap, providing approximately 1,149 yards of yarn.

The recommended needle size is US #8 (5 millimeters), or whatever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern calls for a gauge of 18 stitches and 22 rows equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch, ensuring that the finished measurements match the designer's specifications.

Additional Notions and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, the LM Wrap pattern requires minimal additional materials: a yarn needle for weaving in ends and securing stitches, and scissors for cutting yarn. This simplicity makes the project accessible and cost-effective for knitters at any stage of their crafting journey.