Ersa

Ersa Asymmetrical Crochet Wrap by Julie Blagojevich

What Is Being Made

Ersa is a generous asymmetrical wrap designed as a versatile crochet project. Named after the Greek goddess of nurturing dew and daughter of Zeus, this wrap combines practical wearability with mythological inspiration. The pattern is written as an asymmetrical wrap but includes creative options to customize the finished piece as either a symmetrical wrap or a scarf, allowing crocheters to choose their preferred silhouette.

Construction Technique

Ersa employs a two-phase construction method that creates its distinctive shape and visual interest. The wrap begins with short rows, a shaping technique that builds length while maintaining a tapered width. Once the main body reaches the desired dimensions, the project transitions to a dramatic border worked in long rows along the edge, adding a finished flourish and additional drape to the completed wrap.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern utilizes half double crochet (hdc) as its primary stitch, a versatile mid-weight crochet stitch that works well for lace-weight yarns. The gauge is established at 20 hdc and 16 rows over a 4-inch square (10.16 cm), providing the foundation for accurate sizing and drape. The combination of short rows and long rows creates textural variation and strategic shaping throughout the design.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Madelinetosh Prairie in lace weight, 100% superwash merino, approximately 840 yards (768 meters). The pattern calls for one hank in the colorway Norway Spruce.
• Hook: Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Darning needle for weaving in ends and blocking aids for shaping

Finished Dimensions

The wrap tapers from its widest to narrowest points, with measurements given both pre-blocking and post-blocking to show the transformation that occurs during finishing. Pre-blocking dimensions are 11 inches (28 cm) tapering to 7 inches (18 cm) wide, with 50 inches (127 cm) along the inner curve. After blocking, the wrap expands to 15 inches (38 cm) tapering to 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), demonstrating the significant impact of wet blocking on lace-weight projects.

Difficulty Level

Ersa is rated as an intermediate crochet project, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping techniques. The combination of short rows and long rows requires understanding of directional crochet and stitch manipulation, while the lace-weight yarn and smaller hook size demand attention to detail and tension control.

Design Credits

Ersa is designed by Julie Blagojevich of CrochetWorks. The pattern includes testing, recipe information, and graphic design by Gina Lynette, ensuring accuracy and clarity for crocheters following the instructions.