Fairisle Wrap Knitting Pattern

Fairisle Wrap in Rowan Kid Classic

What Is Being Made

The Fairisle Wrap is a triangular shawl designed as a versatile wrap garment suitable for layering and draping. With a finished width of 180 cm (70¾ inches) at its widest point and a depth of 65.5 cm (25¾ inches) from the cast-on edge to the point, this wrap provides generous coverage and can be styled in multiple ways. The triangular silhouette is achieved through strategic decreasing that creates the characteristic pointed shape.

Techniques Used

Fairisle Colorwork: The primary technique featured in this wrap is fairisle patterning, a traditional method of knitting with multiple colors in a single row. The fairisle technique allows for the creation of intricate, repeating color patterns while maintaining an even fabric structure. This method involves carrying unused yarn colors across the back of the work, creating a dense, insulated fabric ideal for wraps.

Decreasing: The wrap is constructed using continuous decreasing at both edges to form the triangular shape. Decreases are worked on every row after the initial fairisle chart is completed, gradually reducing from 331 cast-on stitches down to the final 3 stitches that are cast off.

I-Cord Edging: A decorative I-cord bind-off is applied to both side edges using the specialized I-cord method. This creates a neat, rounded edge finish that frames the wrap and adds a refined detail. The I-cord is worked by repeatedly knitting stitches through the back loop and slipping them back to the left needle, creating a tubular cord effect.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St St): The base fabric of the wrap is worked entirely in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, flat surface ideal for displaying fairisle colorwork patterns.
• Knit Stitches: Standard knit stitches form the foundation of both the main fabric and the I-cord edging.
• Knit Through Back Loop: Used specifically in the I-cord bind-off method to create the characteristic twisted appearance of the cord edge.
• Slip Stitch: Employed in the I-cord technique to transfer stitches between needles without working them.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: This wrap is designed to be knitted using Rowan Kid Classic, a soft yarn available in six carefully selected colorways. The pattern requires: Feather 828 (1 ball), Tattoo 856 (1 ball), Bittersweet 866 (1 ball), Champagne 898 (1 ball), Drought 876 (1 ball), and Navy 917 (2 balls). Each ball weighs 50 grams, allowing for a total yardage suitable for the generous dimensions of this wrap.

Needles: The wrap is worked on a single pair of 5mm (US size 8) circular needles measuring at least 100 centimeters in length. Circular needles are essential for this project to accommodate the large number of stitches cast on initially (331 stitches), which allows the fairisle pattern to be repeated 27 times across the width.

Tension: The pattern specifies a tension of 19 stitches and 25 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the fairisle pattern in stockinette stitch using 5mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is important for the wrap to reach its intended finished dimensions.

Pattern Construction

The wrap begins with a cast-on of 331 stitches using yarn A (Feather). The fairisle chart is then worked in stockinette stitch, with odd rows read from right to left and even rows read from left to right, following a 12-stitch repeat pattern that is worked 27 times across the row. The chart consists of 92 rows, which establishes the colorwork design across the width of the wrap. After completing the chart rows, the pattern continues using Navy yarn (yarn F) exclusively while simultaneously decreasing one stitch at each end of every row until only 3 stitches remain, at which point they are cast off.

Finishing: After the main knitting is complete, the wrap is pressed according to standard instructions. The I-cord edging is then applied to both side edges by picking up stitches along each edge and working the I-cord bind-off method, which creates a professional, decorative finish that complements the fairisle colorwork.

Skill Level

This wrap is rated as an intermediate project, making it