Ida Mae Ombre Stripe Wrap Knitting Pattern

Ida Mae Ombre Stripe Wrap in Juniper Moon Herriot

What Is Being Made

The Ida Mae Ombre Stripe Wrap is an oversized knitted wrap designed by Pamela Wynne, measuring 26" x 72" (66 x 183cm). This wrap features distinctive panels of stranded colorwork that create gradual color transitions, producing a beautiful ombre effect across the finished piece. The generous dimensions make it suitable for layering and draping.

Construction Method and Techniques

This wrap employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its striking visual effect. The wrap is knit in the round, which allows for seamless construction and even tension throughout. A key construction feature is the use of a machine-reinforced steek—a method where stitches are secured with sewing machine thread before being cut to open the knitted tube. After the steek is cut, stitches are picked up around the edges to create the ombre-stripe border, adding a finished frame to the colorwork panels.

The pattern begins with a provisional cast-on, a temporary casting method that allows stitches to be picked up later. This technique is essential for creating seamless joins and transitions in the wrap's construction.

Stitches and Colorwork

The wrap is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (St st) in the round, which provides a smooth, classic fabric base. The defining feature is the use of stranded colorwork, a technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across rows to create patterns. The stranded colorwork panels transition between long color runs, creating the characteristic ombre effect. Additional stitch techniques include knit (k), purl (p), knit two together (k2tog), slip, slip, knit (ssk), make one right (m1R), and make one left (m1L), which are used for shaping and stitch manipulation throughout the pattern.

Yarn and Materials

The Ida Mae Ombre Stripe Wrap is designed to be worked in Juniper Moon Farm Herriot yarn, requiring 2 hanks in each of five coordinating colors:

• C1: Color #02 Heartwood
• C2: Color #05 Walnut
• C3: Color #08 Sycamore
• C4: Color #06 River Birch
• C5: Color #09 Travertine

The color palette progresses through warm and cool tones, creating natural-inspired transitions that enhance the ombre effect.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for specific needle sizes to achieve the correct gauge. A US size 6 (6mm) circular needle measuring 24" / 40cm is used for the main knitting, with an option to adjust needle size as needed to obtain proper gauge. A US size 5 (3.75mm) circular needle measuring at least 47" / 120cm (or one size smaller than the main needle) is required for picking up stitches around the border.

Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and sewing machine supplies—specifically a sewing machine, brown sewing thread, and scrap fabric for testing—which are essential for reinforcing the steek before cutting.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rounds = 4" / 10cm in stockinette stitch in the round using the larger needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and proper drape of the wrap.