Classic Elite Yarns Licola Wrap Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Licola Garter-Striped Wrap

Project Overview

The Licola is a sophisticated shawl and wrap design created by Susan Mills, originally published in Adelaide 1607 as part of a printed collection of designs. This knitted wrap combines elegant construction techniques with decorative finishing details, making it an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with foundational skills.

What Is Being Made

The Licola is a large, crescent-shaped wrap featuring a two-directional construction method. The finished wrap measures approximately 77 inches wide and 13¼ inches high at center, creating a generous garment suitable for layering or draping. The design incorporates a knitted-on fringe along the lower edge and a decorative row of bobbles along the upper edge, adding textural interest and visual appeal to the finished piece.

Construction Techniques

This wrap employs a distinctive two-direction working method that creates its characteristic crescent shape. The lower section is worked from side to side, establishing the curved foundation of the garment. The upper section then begins by picking up stitches along the straight selvedge of the lower crescent and is worked upwards toward the bobbled bound-off edge.

The fringe is created using the knitted-on fringe technique, which integrates the fringe directly into the fabric as you work rather than adding it afterward. This method uses the knitted cast-on method to create new stitches at the beginning of fringe rows, then binds off most of these stitches to form individual fringe strands while maintaining continuity with the main body of the wrap.

The pattern employs color stranding throughout the two-row garter stitch stripes. When working with two colors in alternating rows, the unused color is carried loosely up the side of the work until it is needed again, a technique that maintains tension and prevents excessive yarn waste.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in the Licola is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and is worked in two-row stripes using two alternating colors.

The pattern incorporates several specialized stitches and techniques:

• Knitted cast-on method: Used to create new stitches for the fringe sections and initial setup
• Kfb (knit front and back): An increase stitch that creates an extra stitch by working into the same stitch twice
• M1 (make one): An increase stitch used to add stitches throughout the lower crescent section
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease stitch used in the fringe construction
• Bobbles: Decorative three-dimensional elements that form the upper bound-off edge
• MF (make fringe): A specialized pattern stitch that combines cast-on, bind-off, and decrease techniques to create integrated fringe strands

Materials and Yarn

The Licola is designed to be worked with Classic Elite Yarns products. The pattern is worked using two colors, referred to as color A and color B throughout the instructions, allowing crafters to choose complementary shades from the Classic Elite Yarns range. The wrap is worked flat on knitting needles, making it accessible to knitters who prefer flat construction over circular needles or other methods.

Skill Level and Pattern Structure

This pattern is rated as intermediate level, indicating it is appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and techniques but may be relatively new to more complex construction methods. The two-directional construction, color work, and integrated fringe technique provide engaging challenges without requiring advanced expertise.

The pattern uses a systematic, repeating row structure that builds the lower crescent through incremental increases over 238 rows, with the fringe being added continuously as the piece grows. This methodical approach allows crafters to develop rhythm and consistency while working toward the finished dimensions.