Northern Lights Wrap

Northern Lights Wrap by little acorn creations

Project Overview

The Northern Lights Wrap is an advanced crochet shawl designed by Penny Shima Glanz for little acorn creations. This stunning wrap is worked from the center outward, creating a geometric progression that captures the ethereal beauty of the aurora borealis. The finished dimensions are 24 inches wide by 96 inches long when blocked, making it an elegant accessory suitable for draping across the shoulders or wearing as a generous wrap.

Design Inspiration and Construction

Drawing inspiration from the swirling colors and movement of the northern lights, this wrap features a thoughtfully structured construction that begins with a center star motif. The design evolves from this central element into a center square, which then transitions into the characteristic striped sections that form the body of the wrap. The mesh lace fabric creates an open, airy construction that provides excellent drape, mimicking the flowing, ethereal quality of the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky.

Customization Options

One of the distinctive features of the Northern Lights Wrap is the flexibility in stripe sequencing. Crocheters have the choice to work each side of the wrap with either matching stripe sequences or different stripe sequences on each side. The sample shown in the pattern demonstrates the use of different sequences, allowing crafters to personalize their wrap and create unique color combinations that reflect their own interpretation of the northern lights.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This advanced-level project employs mesh lace crochet techniques to achieve the open, flowing fabric characteristic of the design. The pattern utilizes a center-out construction method, which requires careful stitch placement and increases to expand the piece symmetrically from the center point. The combination of structured geometric shaping with the delicate mesh lace creates a sophisticated garment suitable for experienced crocheters.

Yarn and Materials

The Northern Lights Wrap is designed to be worked in fingering weight yarn, requiring a total of 872 yards (800 meters) across two colors—436 yards (400 meters) each of color A and color B. The sample shown was created using Artyarns Merino Cloud, a luxurious blend of 80% Extra Fine Merino and 20% Cashmere, worked at 436 yards (400 meters) per 100 grams. Specific colors used in the sample include Color #378 for color A and the July 2021 Inspirations Northern Lights colorway for color B.

Tools and Notions

• Crochet Hook: 4 mm/G-6 crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• 5 removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases

Yarn Weight Specifications

This pattern is written for sport weight and 4-ply yarn, though the primary construction utilizes fingering weight yarn as specified in the materials list. The delicate yarn weight combined with the 4 mm hook creates the fine mesh lace fabric essential to achieving the wrap's characteristic drape and ethereal appearance.

Skill Level

The Northern Lights Wrap is classified as an advanced crochet project, making it ideal for experienced crocheters who are comfortable with complex stitch patterns, center-out construction methods, and precise gauge work. The combination of geometric shaping, mesh lace techniques, and color work requires strong foundational crochet skills and the ability to read and follow detailed pattern instructions.