Paz Shoulder Wrap

Paz Shoulder Wrap by Emily J. Designs

What is Being Made

The Paz Shoulder Wrap is a versatile, cozy shoulder wrap shawl or cowl designed by Emily Johannes of Emily J. Designs. This knitted piece features a sophisticated asymmetrical design that can be buttoned multiple ways for styling flexibility. The wrap offers three size options: XS/S, S/M, and M/L, with the lower edge measuring 36, 39, or 42 inches respectively after blocking, and a height of 10, 13, or 13 inches depending on size selection.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Paz Shoulder Wrap employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance and functional design:

• Side-to-Side Construction: The wrap is knit horizontally from side to side rather than from top to bottom, allowing for strategic shaping and design placement
• Cable Work: Thick braided cables form a prominent design element throughout the piece, requiring cable needle manipulation to create twisted, textured columns
• Lace Design: Open eyelets are incorporated into the pattern, serving the dual purpose of adding visual interest and functioning as buttonholes for the multi-way buttoning feature
• Short Rows: Simple short rows are used to customize the fit of the wrap, allowing the piece to contour to the wearer's shoulders and body
• Two-Strand Knitting: The pattern is worked using two strands of yarn held together simultaneously, creating the chunky fabric weight and density

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Paz Shoulder Wrap utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the body of the wrap, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric that serves as the foundation for cable and lace elements
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A right-leaning decrease stitch used to shape the wrap and create lace eyelets
• Purl (P): Used to create texture contrast and define cable patterns
• C1B (Cable 1 Back): A cable stitch worked by slipping one stitch to a cable needle, holding it to the back, knitting one stitch, then knitting the slipped stitch. This creates the braided cable effect characteristic of the design

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Paz Shoulder Wrap is designed to be worked with specific materials to achieve the intended gauge and fabric characteristics:

Yarn: The pattern calls for Cascade Yarns ReVerb, a blend of 70% polyester and 30% alpaca. Each skein contains 273 yards (250 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 ounces). Depending on size, the project requires 3 skeins for the two smaller sizes or 4 skeins for the largest size. The sample shown in the pattern was knit in colorway #05 Apricot. This yarn weight classification spans chunky and sport weights when worked as specified.

Needles: The pattern requires US 10 (6mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 centimeters) in length. A cable needle or spare needle is also needed for working the cable stitches. The pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit and fabric drape.

Additional Notions: Three buttons measuring 5/8 inch (16 millimeters) in diameter are required to complete the wrap's multi-way buttoning closure system.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in stockinette stitch using two strands of yarn held together. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and ensuring the buttonholes align properly for the wrap's versatile styling options.