Marmande

Marmande Wrap by Meridith Shepherd

What is Being Made

Marmande is a sophisticated wrap designed by Meridith Shepherd for Stacked Woolens. This downloadable knitting pattern creates an unexpectedly shaped wrap measuring 82 inches (208 cm) in length and 17 inches (43 cm) at its widest point. The wrap is versatile enough to toss over casual outfits like jeans and t-shirts while adding an elegant, luxurious appearance with minimal effort required during wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Marmande wrap incorporates several intermediate-level knitting techniques that make it an excellent project for knitters advancing beyond basic skills. The pattern features short row shaping, which creates the wrap's distinctive and unexpected silhouette. The design also employs simple color changes between the main color and contrasting color sections, allowing knitters to practice color work in a straightforward manner. These techniques combine to produce a garment that looks complex and professionally finished while remaining accessible to advanced beginners.

Stitches Used

The Marmande wrap utilizes two fundamental knitting stitches that alternate throughout the pattern to create visual interest and texture. Garter stitch sections alternate with stockinette stitch stripes, creating a balanced interplay of textures. This combination of stitches is both visually appealing and structurally sound, allowing the wrap to drape beautifully while maintaining its shape.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Susquehanna Knitting Company yarns in two colors. The main color (MC) requires two skeins of Susquehanna Sparkle, a luxurious blend containing 75% Merino wool, 20% silk, and 5% metallic fiber. Each skein provides 231 yards (211 meters) and weighs 100 grams, making this a worsted weight yarn. The contrasting color (CC) uses one skein of Sailor Blue. The combination of merino wool with silk and metallic fibers creates a sophisticated, shimmering finish appropriate for a wrap designed to elevate everyday styling.

Additional materials include US size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches (102 cm) in length, six stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, and a yarn needle for finishing. The recommended gauge is 15.25 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when blocked, which helps ensure the finished wrap achieves its intended dimensions and drape.

Skill Level and Pattern Difficulty

Marmande is rated as Advanced Beginner difficulty, making it ideal for knitters who have mastered fundamental techniques and are ready to expand their skills. The pattern works up quickly and provides an excellent learning opportunity for practicing short row shaping in a practical, wearable project. While the techniques are achievable for intermediate knitters, the pattern remains approachable for those transitioning from basic knitting projects.

Yarn Weight Options

The Marmande pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights, including DK weight, worsted weight, and 6-ply yarns, offering flexibility for knitters working with different yarn bases or preferences. This adaptability allows crafters to customize their wrap while maintaining the intended finished dimensions and drape characteristics.