Roots Wrap

Roots Wrap Shawl by Allison Bostrom

What Is Being Made

The Roots Wrap is a knitted shawl designed by Allison Bostrom of Clair de Lune Fiber Art. This intermediate-level project creates a generous rectangular wrap measuring approximately 62 inches by 20 inches (157 x 51 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering, draping, or wearing as a traditional shawl. The finished dimensions provide ample coverage while maintaining a lightweight, elegant profile.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished piece. The design incorporates cable work, which creates raised, twisted columns of stitches that run through the fabric. Cable stitches require the use of a cable needle to temporarily hold stitches while working adjacent stitches out of order, producing the characteristic braided or twisted effect. Additionally, the pattern uses increases and decreases to shape the wrap and create shaping details, with specific attention to directional stitch placement that contributes to the overall design structure.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Roots Wrap is primarily worked in stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows. This smooth, classic stitch serves as the base canvas for the pattern's more decorative elements. The pattern incorporates the following specialized stitches and abbreviations:

• 1/1RC (right cross) – a cable stitch created by slipping one stitch onto a cable needle, then working the next stitch before returning to the slipped stitch, producing a rightward-leaning twisted effect
• M1p (make one purl) – an invisible increase worked on the purl side that adds a new stitch without creating a visible hole
• P2tog (purl two together) – a left-leaning decrease that combines two purl stitches into one
• Slip marker (SM) – a technique for moving stitch markers along the needles to track pattern repeats and shaping points

Yarn and Materials

The Roots Wrap is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn (also classified as weight category 4). The sample featured in the pattern was created using Lion Brand Pound of Love in the Oxford Grey colorway. The pattern requires 381 grams or 856 yards of yarn, providing enough yardage for the full 62-inch by 20-inch dimensions. This yardage amount allows for the cable work and shaping details while maintaining good fabric drape.

Needles and Notions

Knitters will need 4.0 mm circular needles measuring 20 inches or longer, or straight needles of the same size, selected to achieve the specified gauge. A cable needle or double-point needle is essential for executing the cable stitches throughout the pattern. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tape measure for checking dimensions during knitting, scissors for finishing, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches by 27 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving this gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the wrap drapes properly. Knitters should knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project, measuring carefully after blocking if desired, to verify their personal gauge matches the pattern requirements.

Difficulty Level

The Roots Wrap is rated as an intermediate project, suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working with cable techniques and pattern instructions. The combination of stockinette stitch, cable work, increases, and decreases requires attention to detail and familiarity with reading knitting patterns, making this an excellent project for advancing knitters seeking to build confidence with cable techniques.