Falu Wrap Knitting Pattern

Falu Wrap by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Falu Wrap is an intermediate-level knitted shawl and wrap design available in five size options to fit bust measurements from 81-127 cm (32-50 inches). This garment features an actual bust measurement range of 165-235 cm (65-92½ inches), making it a generous, draped wrap suitable for layering and styling versatility. The design includes decorative fringe strips as an integral construction element.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and textural depth to the finished wrap. Cable crossing is a primary technique, executed using a cable needle to create twisted stitch patterns. The pattern utilizes two specific cable abbreviations: Cr6L (slip 3 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front of work, purl 3, then knit 3 from cable needle) and Cr6R (slip 3 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit 3, then purl 3 from cable needle). These cable crosses are worked in a repeating 20-row pattern sequence that is repeated multiple times throughout the garment construction.

Shaping techniques include strategic decreasing at neck edges and structured shoulder shaping through progressive cast-offs. The pattern requires working different sections separately and then joining them, with specific attention to maintaining stitch pattern alignment during shaping rows. The construction involves creating fringe strips separately and attaching them to the main garment sections, demonstrating intermediate-level garment assembly skills.

Stitches Used

The Falu Wrap incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with more complex stitch patterns. Knit and purl stitches form the foundation, arranged in a structured pattern that creates texture and visual interest. The pattern repeats over 20 rows, with specific rows designated as pattern rows (rows 1-10 repeated, then rows 1-2 alternated for additional rows). Cable stitches created through the Cr6L and Cr6R abbreviations add dimensional texture. Decreasing stitches at specific points shape the neckline and shoulders, while casting off (binding off) completes edges and creates finished seams throughout the garment.

Materials and Equipment

The Falu Wrap is designed to be worked in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted yarn, a durable and easy-care wool option. The pattern requires 17-21 balls of 100-gram yarn depending on size selection (photographed in the Rich Red 124 colorway). Knitting needles required include one pair of 4½mm (US size 7) needles for the main fabric and two double-pointed 4½mm (US size 7) needles for smaller sections. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crossing techniques throughout the pattern.

The recommended tension is 32 stitches and 27 rows over 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches) measured over the pattern using 4½mm needles. Achieving proper tension is important for obtaining the correct finished garment measurements and ensuring the cable patterns display as intended.