Print 'o the Wave Lace Wrap

Print 'o the Wave Lace Wrap by Michael Harrigan

Project Overview

The Print 'o the Wave Lace Wrap is an advanced-level knitting project that showcases a traditional Shetland lace pattern. This rectangular wrap combines classic lace construction with a delicate edging technique, resulting in a sophisticated accessory measuring 50 inches in length and 13 inches in width. The design is created by a Certified Master Knitter and technical editor, ensuring precision and authenticity in the pattern execution.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a rectangular lace wrap featuring the traditional Shetland pattern known as Print 'o the Wave. The finished wrap is an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping, with dimensions of 50 inches by 13 inches. The wrap combines the main lace body with an additional decorative eyelet edging, creating a refined finished edge.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Flat Knitting: The primary body of the wrap is knit flat, allowing the knitter to work back and forth across the rows to establish the main lace pattern
• Circular Knitting: The narrow eyelet edging is worked in the round using circular needles, requiring a transition from flat to circular construction
• Lace Pattern Work: The Print 'o the Wave stitch pattern is an elaborated traditional Shetland design that requires careful attention to yarn overs, decreases, and stitch placement to create the characteristic wave motif
• Gauge Management: Achieving the correct gauge of 28 stitches and 41 rows over 4 inches is essential for proper drape and finished dimensions

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern is based on the Elaborated Print 'o the Wave stitch pattern, a traditional Shetland lace design. This pattern incorporates the fundamental lace stitches including yarn overs for creating openwork and strategic decreases to maintain stitch count while forming the characteristic wave design. An eyelet edging worked in the round provides a delicate finished border to the wrap.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This wrap is constructed using Jamieson & Smith Shetland Supreme Lace Weight yarn in white, an undyed 100% Shetland wool. The yarn is classified as cobweb and lace weight, with each 25-gram ball providing 219 yards (200 meters). The project requires 4 balls of yarn, providing approximately 876 yards of working yarn. Shetland wool is traditionally chosen for lace knitting due to its elasticity, fine texture, and ability to block beautifully, allowing the delicate lace pattern to open up and display its intricate details.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for US size 1 (2.25mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Two 24-inch (60cm) or 32-inch (80cm) circular needles are required for working the eyelet edging in the round. Additional tools include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work.

Difficulty Level

This project is classified as advanced, reflecting the complexity of working with cobweb and lace weight yarn, maintaining consistent gauge over an extended project, executing the traditional Shetland lace pattern accurately, and transitioning between flat and circular knitting techniques. Knitters should have solid experience with lace construction, chart reading, and blocking techniques before undertaking this wrap.

Finished Measurements

• Length: 50 inches
• Width: 13 inches
• Gauge: 28 stitches and 41 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch