Classic Elite Yarns Leona Wrap Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Leona Knit Shawl and Wrap

What Is Being Made

Leona is a versatile knit wrap designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Spring 2013 in Mesa 9212. This one-piece wrap offers finished measurements of 59¼ (63¼, 67¼) inches wide when unfolded and 15 (16, 18) inches in height, available in three sizes: S/M, L, and XL. The wrap features a distinctive design that allows for flexible styling—it can be worn with either the Stockinette Stitch or Reverse Stockinette Stitch facing outward, and the seam can be positioned along one arm or at center back for different looks.

Techniques Used

This knit wrap is worked flat in a single piece from the bottom up, incorporating stripe techniques and the Three Needle Bind-off method for finishing. The construction begins with a decorative striped edge created using a Checkerboard pattern, followed by the main body worked in Reverse Stockinette Stitch. The pattern includes a strategic bind-off section in the middle of the piece, which is then folded and seamed using the Three Needle Bind-off technique to create the wrap's final structure. This method allows the wrap to be folded in half with right sides together, joining the stitches at each end to form a cohesive garment.

Stitches Used

• Checkerboard Pattern: A stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 3, alternating knit and purl stitches across 8 rows to create a textured checkerboard effect. The pattern alternates between knit-over-purl and purl-over-knit sequences, creating visual interest and dimension.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st): The primary stitch used for the main body of the wrap, creating a smooth, slightly textured surface that can be worn facing either direction.
• Three Needle Bind-off: A finishing technique used to join two sets of live stitches together, creating a secure seam that is both decorative and functional.

Construction Details

The wrap begins with casting on 267 (285, 303) stitches and working 8 rows each in the Checkerboard pattern using four different colors: A (Buckthorn), B (Ironweed), C (Cacti), and D (Tumbleweed). After completing the striped edge, the knitter changes to the main color (MC—Rattlesnake) and works in Reverse Stockinette Stitch until the piece measures 15 (16, 18) inches from the beginning. A strategic bind-off is then worked across the center 105 (113, 123) stitches, leaving 81 (86, 90) stitches on each end. The wrap is then folded with right sides together and the remaining stitches are joined using the Three Needle Bind-off method, creating a finished wrap that can be worn in multiple configurations.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Leona is designed to be knit using Mesa by Classic Elite Yarns, a 100% cotton yarn that provides a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for wraps. Each ball contains approximately 85 yards and weighs 50 grams. The yarn requirements vary by size: the main color (MC—4243 Rattlesnake) requires 6 (7, 8) balls, while the four stripe colors each require 1 (2, 2) balls depending on size. The specific color options are 4246 Buckthorn, 4295 Ironweed, 4235 Cacti, and 4278 Tumbleweed.

The pattern calls for a circular knitting needle in size US 7 (4.5 mm) that is at least 32 inches long, as well as a spare needle of the same size for the Three Needle Bind-off finishing technique. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in Reverse Stockinette Stitch, and knitters are advised to check their gauge before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Easy, making it accessible to knitters with basic experience in fundamental stitches and techniques. The straightforward construction, simple stitch patterns, and clear instructions make Leona an excellent project for those looking to expand their skills into wrap design.