Classic Elite Yarns Ayame Wrap Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Ayame Knit Lace Shawl and Wrap

What Is Being Made

The Ayame is a generously sized rectangular wrap designed by Tonia Barry, originally published in Yuri 1701. This knit shawl measures approximately 23½ inches wide at its widest point and 71½ inches long when blocked. The wrap is worked end to end in one piece, making it a substantial and versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and styling options.

Construction and Design

This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated lace construction with multiple coordinated panels. The wrap is structured around a central leaf lace panel that is flanked on both sides with stockinette stitch sections. The design is further enhanced with leaf lace borders that create a sculptural wavy edge, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished piece.

Lace Techniques Used

The Ayame employs intricate lace charting throughout its construction. The pattern includes three main chart sections: a Right Leaves chart, a Center Leaves chart, and a Left Leaves chart. These charts work in coordination to build the overall design. The right and left leaf charts each begin with 15 stitches and increase to 18 stitches after the Set-up Row. The center chart begins with a multiple of 15 stitches and increases to a multiple of 18 stitches plus 3 after completing Set-up Row 4. Strategic temporary increases occur in Rows 13, 14, 29, and 30 across the various panels to create the characteristic wavy sculptural edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• 2 x 2 Rib: The wrap begins with a 2 x 2 Rib pattern worked for 5 rows. This ribbed edging is worked on a multiple of 4 stitches, with the pattern alternating between knit and purl stitches in a structured repeat that creates elasticity and definition at the cast-on edge.
• Stockinette Stitch: Stockinette stitch sections flank the central and side lace panels, providing visual balance and a smooth background that allows the lace motifs to stand out prominently.
• Leaf Lace: Multiple leaf lace panels form the decorative core of the design, with the central leaf lace panel being the focal point, surrounded by additional leaf lace borders that contribute to the wrap's sculptural quality.

Pattern Complexity and Stitch Counts

The Ayame is designed for knitters with intermediate skills. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 136 stitches, which is reduced to 135 stitches after the ribbed foundation. The construction involves careful stitch management across multiple panels, with the right leaf section increasing from 15 to 18 stitches, the center section expanding from a 15-stitch multiple to 18 stitches plus 3, and the left leaf section mirroring the right side. The pattern rows 1 through 32 are worked across these coordinated panels, with temporary increases and decreases strategically placed to achieve the desired wavy edge effect.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern is designed for use with Classic Elite Yarns, a brand known for outstanding yarns and brilliant designs. While specific yarn weight and yardage requirements are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the generous finished dimensions and lace construction suggest a fingering or sport weight yarn would be appropriate for this project. Knitters will require needles suitable for the chosen yarn weight and the lace construction method.

Worked Flat Construction

The Ayame is worked flat rather than in the round, allowing knitters to work back and forth in rows. This flat construction method is ideal for creating a rectangular wrap with defined edges and makes it easier to manage the multiple lace panels and stockinette sections that comprise the design.