Whittingham Wrap

Whittingham Wrap by Andrea Rangel

What is Being Made

The Whittingham Wrap is a lace square shawl designed by Andrea Rangel as part of the Harrow Collection. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished blocked square measuring 48 inches (122 cm) on each side, making it a substantial wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Whittingham Wrap is constructed using a distinctive two-stage knitting process. The project begins with a provisional cast on, which allows the knitter to later pick up stitches for the lace edging. The main body is worked as a lace square, with the lace edging knitted on after completing the center square. This method ensures a polished, integrated border that frames the central lace pattern.

The construction technique requires careful attention to stitch counts, as the number of stitches changes every row throughout the center square. This dynamic stitch count is characteristic of lace knitting, where yarn overs and decreases create the openwork pattern. Because of the complexity of row-by-row stitch changes, the center pattern is provided in written instructions rather than charted format.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Whittingham Wrap is the Traveling Vine Lace Pattern, which is worked on every row of the center square. This lace pattern creates an elegant, flowing design characteristic of traditional lace knitting.

The lace edging features its own distinct pattern and is provided in both written and charted instructions, offering knitters flexibility in how they prefer to follow the pattern. The charted format for the edging allows visual reference for the decorative border, while the written instructions serve as an alternative for those who prefer text-based guidance.

The finished wrap incorporates Stockinette stitch as a reference gauge, with the Traveling Vine Lace Pattern serving as the primary textured element throughout the project.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Whittingham Wrap requires 1050 yards (960 meters) of worsted weight yarn. The pattern is shown worked in Malabrigo Merino Worsted, a 100% Merino fiber yarn that provides approximately 210 yards (192 meters) per 100-gram skein. The photographed sample uses 5 skeins in colorway #509 Sweet Grape.

Worsted weight yarn is an excellent choice for lace projects, as it provides sufficient structure for the openwork pattern while remaining light enough to drape beautifully when blocked. The Merino fiber content offers softness and elasticity, which are particularly beneficial for lace knitting where blocking dramatically opens up the pattern.

Gauge and Blocking Considerations

Accurate gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, and 16 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Traveling Vine Lace Pattern.

A crucial note for knitters: the lace pattern opens up dramatically with blocking. For this reason, the pattern instructions recommend washing the gauge swatch before measuring to ensure accuracy. This blocking behavior is typical of lace knitting and results in the final wrap achieving its full, intended dimensions and drape.

Difficulty Level

The Whittingham Wrap is rated as an intermediate knitting project. This classification reflects the combination of lace pattern work, row-by-row stitch count changes, and the two-stage construction method requiring provisional cast-on techniques. Knitters should have solid foundational skills in lace knitting, including comfort with yarn overs, decreases, and reading written lace instructions before beginning this project.