Blue Sky Fibers Harris Wrap Cowl Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Harris Wrap

What Is Being Made

The Harris Wrap is a luxurious knitted cowl designed by J.H. Walter as part of Blue Sky Fibers' Traveler Series. This wrap is a versatile accessory that combines two distinct sections with contrasting textures and yarn compositions. The finished wrap measures 64 inches (or 80 inches for the larger size) in circumference with an 18-inch width, making it a substantial piece suitable for draping around the shoulders or wearing as a generous cowl.

Techniques Used

The Harris Wrap employs fundamental knitting techniques executed across two separate sections that are later joined together. The first section is worked flat back and forth on straight needles using a ribbed stitch pattern, while the second section is constructed by picking up stitches along the long edge of the completed first section and working perpendicular to it. This perpendicular construction method creates visual interest and allows the two yarn types to showcase their individual characteristics. The piece is worked flat without joining in the round, though a circular needle is used in the second section to accommodate the large stitch count. Finishing involves seaming the narrow side edges together to complete the wrap's tubular form.

Stitches Used

• K1, P1 Rib: A fundamental stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 2 stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches in every row. This creates the textured, elastic first section of the wrap and is worked for 414 rows (or 520 rows for the larger size).
• Garter Stitch: The second section is worked entirely in garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This produces a bumpy, reversible fabric with excellent drape and is worked to a depth of 11 inches.

Materials and Specifications

The Harris Wrap requires two distinct Blue Sky Fibers yarns, each with different fiber content and yardage characteristics:

• Yarn A (Baby Alpaca): 100% Baby Alpaca in a worsted weight (50 grams per 110 yards). Five hanks are required for the S/M size, or six hanks for the L/XL size. This yarn is used for the first section's K1, P1 rib.
• Yarn B (Techno): A luxury blend of 68% Baby Alpaca, 22% Silk, and 10% Extra Fine Merino (50 grams per 120 yards). Five hanks are needed for the S/M size, or six hanks for the L/XL size. This yarn creates the garter stitch second section.

The wrap is constructed using two different needle sizes to achieve proper gauge with each yarn:

• Size 7 (4.5mm) needles: Used with Baby Alpaca yarn for the first section. The gauge in K1, P1 rib is 30 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when unblocked.
• Size 9 (5.5mm) 60-inch circular needle: Used with Techno yarn for the second section. The gauge in garter stitch is 18 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when unblocked. The circular needle is chosen for its length to accommodate the large number of stitches (276 for S/M or 346 for L/XL) rather than for working in the round.

A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and seaming the side edges together during finishing.

Difficulty Level

The Harris Wrap is rated as Advanced Beginner difficulty. While the stitch patterns themselves are fundamental—ribbing and garter stitch—the project introduces intermediate construction concepts such as picking up stitches along an edge and working perpendicular sections. This makes it an excellent project for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore more complex garment construction methods.

Design Features

The Harris Wrap showcases the distinctive qualities of two complementary yarns. The soft, pure Baby Alpaca of the first section provides a delicate ribbed texture, while the Techno yarn's silk and merino blend adds luxury and subtle sheen in the garter stitch second section. The color combination shown features Denim (A) paired with Tranquil (B), though the pattern allows for numerous color combinations from the Blue Sky Fibers palette. The wrap's generous dimensions and two-section construction provide both visual interest and practical versatility for wearing.