Leaning Diamonds

Leaning Diamonds Wrap by Bronagh Miskelly

What is Being Made

The Leaning Diamonds Wrap is a rectangular shawl designed by Bronagh Miskelly, measuring 210cm in length and 55cm in width. This wrap is constructed using a corner-to-corner knitting method, which creates a bias-cut fabric that drapes beautifully and adds visual interest to the finished piece. The design features leaf lace increases that create the characteristic diamond pattern throughout the shawl.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and structure. The corner-to-corner construction method uses strategic increases and decreases to build the rectangular shape from a small cast-on, allowing the fabric to develop organically as you work. The bias fabric created by this directional knitting produces exceptional drape, making it ideal for a wrap that will move gracefully when worn.

Lace increases are central to the design, creating the leaf motif and diamond patterns visible throughout the wrap. The pattern incorporates yarn overs to generate openwork sections that contribute to both the aesthetic and the fabric's fluid drape. Decreases are worked at regular intervals to maintain shaping and balance the increases, ensuring the wrap maintains its intended rectangular dimensions.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric in stocking stitch
• Purl (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create textural variation
• Yarn Over (Yo): Creates the decorative openwork and lace elements characteristic of the diamond pattern
• K2tog (knit 2 stitches together): A right-leaning decrease used throughout the pattern
• K3tog (knit 3 stitches together): A double decrease for more dramatic shaping in specific areas
• Sk2po (slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over): A centered decrease that creates a balanced visual effect
• Ssk (slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit 2 together through back of loop): A left-leaning decrease used to balance right-leaning decreases
• CDD (slip 2 stitches together, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over): A centered double decrease for shaping
• M1 (make 1 stitch): An increase worked by lifting the bar before the next stitch onto the left needle and working through the back of the loop
• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch pattern creating a smooth, classic fabric base

Materials and Tools

The Leaning Diamonds Wrap is knitted using John Arbon Alpaca 2-3 ply yarn in the colorway Kingfisher. This yarn is composed of 90% Alpaca and 10% Nylon, offering a luxurious feel with added durability. The project requires 2 skeins of yarn, with each skein providing 600 meters of yardage per 100 grams, giving ample length for the 210cm finished wrap.

Knitting needles required are 3.5mm needles, used as a pair for working flat. The pattern specifies a tension of 25 stitches and 32 rows in stocking stitch to 10cm on 3.5mm needles before blocking, which is essential to achieve the correct finished dimensions. Additionally, two stitch markers are needed to track pattern repeats and key shaping points throughout the construction.

Pattern Structure

The wrap pattern includes a leaf lace section that forms the basis of the diamond motif. The pattern is worked in repeating sections, with stitch markers used to denote the beginning and end of pattern repeats. The chart-based leaf lace increases guide the placement of yarn overs and decreases to create the geometric diamond design. The pattern begins with a small cast-on of 2 stitches and builds outward through the corner-to-corner construction method, with subsequent leaf sections added to create the full width and length of the finished wrap.