Raquel - aran wrap

Raquel Aran Wrap by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

The Raquel is a rectangular shaped Aran wrap designed by Jennifer Lee. This wrap measures approximately 49cm in width and 170cm in length, making it a generous rectangular accessory suitable for layering and warmth. The wrap is worked sideways, meaning knitting progresses horizontally across the width rather than lengthwise, which affects how the pattern repeats and the final construction of the piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project features Aran cable work as its primary decorative technique. Cable knitting involves crossing groups of stitches over one another to create textured, three-dimensional patterns characteristic of traditional Aran knitwear. The wrap uses a sideways construction method, where the 32-row pattern repeat is worked horizontally and simply repeated to achieve the required length. This approach eliminates the need for shaping, making the pattern straightforward to execute despite its intermediate difficulty rating.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern employs several cable stitches essential to Aran design:

• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip the next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the back of work, knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip the next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the front of work, knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle
• C4L (Cable 4 Left): Slip the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the front of work

The pattern is written out in full for all 32 rows, providing clear row-by-row instructions. Stocking stitch forms the base fabric, with cable motifs worked into this stockinette background to create the characteristic Aran texture.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Raquel wrap requires 16 balls of Cleckheaton Country 8ply yarn, with each ball weighing 50g and providing 96 meters of yardage. This DK weight yarn is a worsted-weight option suitable for creating fabric with good drape and structure. The pattern notes that quantities may vary between individual knitters and different yarn types, so adjustments may be necessary based on personal gauge and yarn choice.

Knitting needles required are 4.00mm (UK size 8, US size 6) in a standard pair format. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches throughout the pattern. A wool needle is also needed for sewing in yarn ends upon completion.

Gauge and Tension

The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 4.00mm needles. The pattern notes that tension is not crucial for this project, making it more forgiving for knitters who may not achieve exact gauge—an advantage when working with a rectangular wrap where precise measurements are less critical than with fitted garments.