Gardiner Yarn Works Ivy Wrap Knitting Pattern

Gardiner Yarn Works Ivy Wrap

What Is Being Made

The Ivy Wrap is a rectangular knitted shawl designed by Chrissy Gardiner that measures 22" x 64" after blocking. This elegant wrap is specifically crafted for warming your shoulders in style, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering over dresses, tops, or casual wear. The finished dimensions create a generous rectangular shape that drapes beautifully across the shoulders and back.

Techniques Used

This wrap is constructed using several key knitting techniques that work together to create its distinctive aesthetic:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The wrap is knitted from the bottom edge upward, beginning with a cast-on of 123 stitches and working toward the top bind-off edge.
• Seamless, Worked Flat: The entire piece is worked flat on straight needles without seaming, creating a clean, unified fabric with no interruptions in the design.
• Lace Patterning: An old-fashioned leaf lace motif is the centerpiece of the design, worked from a chart or written directions. The lace pattern repeats throughout the body of the wrap, creating visual interest and an airy, elegant drape.

Stitches Used

The Ivy Wrap employs fundamental knitting stitches combined in a lace pattern:

• Knit (k): The primary stitch forming the base fabric and stockinette sections at the top and bottom edges.
• Purl (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and structure.
• Yarn Over (YO): Creates the decorative holes and openwork characteristic of the lace pattern.
• Knit Two Together (k2tog) and Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK): Decreases that shape the lace motif and create the leaf-like formations.
• Purl Two Together (p2tog) and Purl Two Together Through Back Loop (p2tog-tbl): Additional decrease variations used within the lace pattern.
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (SK2P): A double decrease that adds visual definition to the lace design.
• Knit Through Back Loop (k-tbl): Creates twisted stitches for textural variation.

Materials and Gauge

The Ivy Wrap is designed for lace or fingering-weight yarn, requiring approximately 900 yards total. The sample featured in the pattern uses Buffalo Gold #12 "Lux" in Malachite, a fine-gauge luxury yarn that showcases the delicate lace pattern beautifully.

The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using size 6 (4mm) needles. However, the pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this particular project, making it more forgiving for knitters who may not achieve exact gauge specifications. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends during finishing.

Pattern Construction Details

The wrap is constructed in three distinct sections: the piece begins with four knit rows to create a finished edge, followed by the main lace pattern body worked from a chart or written directions. The lace pattern is repeated until the piece measures approximately 62 inches from the cast-on edge, or the desired length is achieved, ending with Row 28 of the lace pattern repeat. The wrap is finished with four additional knit rows before binding off all stitches very loosely to maintain elasticity at the edge.

Finishing and Blocking

Proper finishing is essential to achieving the wrap's final dimensions and drape. The completed piece should be briefly soaked in cool water with mild detergent or wool wash such as Eucalan or Soak. After gently removing the wrap from the water, excess moisture is removed by rolling in towels or using a top-loading washing machine spin cycle. The damp wrap is then spread out on a clean, flat surface such as a bed or towels and pinned into shape. For best results, blocking wires are used along the edges to ensure straight, even sides. The wrap should be allowed to dry completely in this pinned position.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience