New Pattern: Raised Rib Wrap

Raised Rib Wrap

(Try saying that quickly 3 times)

Knit by Marjorie Fradin; modeled by Ashira Goldkind

Designed by Judy Reichler (2011)

Based on “Raised rib” stitch in Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns (Sterling Publishing Company, 2005) 

Created for "Contemplative Knitting Mini-Retreat," New Paltz February 4, 2012.

MEASUREMENTS

 Approximately 18x60 inches. 

MATERIALS

·         4 skeins (each approx 100 gms/219 yds) of Cascade Yarns Venezia/Worsted (70% merino wool, 30% silk)

·         One pair size 8 (5mm) “circular” needles with 32-40” coil, OR SIZE NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE 

GAUGE

16 sts and 26 rows = 4”/10cm over St st using #8 (5mm) needles.

TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE. 

GLOSSARY

K = knit

P = purl

Raised rib stitch = Insert needle into stitch in the row just below the next stitch and knit it, dropping both this stitch and the unworked stitch above it off the needle. 

DIRECTIONS

Cast on 69 stitches.

Knit 5 rows (garter stitch).'

Begin pattern stitch

Row 1: K 5, p 5, *make one raised rib stitch (see glossary), p 5; repeat from * across, end with k 5.

Row 2: K across.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern. 

Work  until approximately 60”, leaving sufficient yarn to complete last 5 rows – see the alternative below if you plan to add fringe.

Knit 5 rows (garter stitch).

Bind off loosely, weave ends, wash and block to size. 

FRINGE

If you plan to add fringe at the ends or along one edge, cut them from the 4^th ball before you launch into it.  That way you can use up all the yarn, knowing you have enough left for the fringe. 

Cut enough 12” strings for the following:

            12-string fringe unit for each corner of the wrap

6-string fringe units at each raised rib (if putting them on the ends) or approximately 2 inches apart (if putting them along one side)

More 6-string tassels, if you want them to be more lush and appear every inch

To add a fringe unit: grab a set of strings and fold it in half.  Insert crochet hook through the designated place on the shawl, then through the middle of your folded string set, and pull the loop of strings through the shawl, just so the loop is peeking through the shawl.  With the crochet hook still in the loop, grab the rest of the string with the crochet hook (or your fingers) and pull through the loop.  Tighten in place.  Trim after all the units are in place, to make make them more-or-less even. 

FOR AN EVEN MORE SUMPTUOUS SHAWL

If you wish to make an even more sumptuous shawl to cover your upper body (approx 25” wide), cast on 111 stitches and proceed as above, knitting for approximately 70”.

This version will require 7 skeins of yarn.  Cut fringe string approximately 18” long.