Orange Crush Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Orange Crush Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Orange Crush is a light and lacey knitted stole designed by Allison Harding for Cascade Yarns. This intermediate-level shawl wrap project creates a versatile accessory measuring 24 inches by 64 inches when wet blocked. The design is constructed using a clever method that minimizes finishing work, requiring only two ends to weave in upon completion. The finished piece is reversible, allowing you to wear it draped elegantly over your arms as a traditional stole or gathered softly around your neck as a luxurious scarf.

Construction Method and Techniques

Orange Crush employs a distinctive three-part construction approach that makes it an excellent portable project. The pattern begins with a knitted lace border that features a design reminiscent of orange wedges. Once this border is complete, you pick up stitches along the top edge and work the main body of the stole. The body is worked in an easily memorized four-row lace pattern that alternates between lace rows and plain knit rows, making it simple to work without constant pattern reference. After completing the body section, you repeat the border lace edging, joining it to the body as you progress. This integrated joining method eliminates the need for seaming and reduces finishing steps significantly.

Stitches and Lace Elements

The pattern utilizes several key knitting stitches to create its delicate lace fabric:

• Yarn overs (yo) - These create the openwork and lace characteristics throughout the design
• Knit two together (k2tog) - A right-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and shape the lace
• Purl two together (p2tog) - Used in combination with yarn overs to create decorative decreases
• Slip, slip, knit (sk2p) - A centered double decrease created by slipping one stitch purlwise, knitting two stitches together, then passing the slipped stitch over
• Knit front and back (kfb) - An increase stitch that creates new stitches within the lace border
• Yarn around needle (yrn) - Equivalent to a yarn over, wrapping yarn around the right needle to create lace holes

Yarn and Materials

Orange Crush requires one skein of Cascade Yarns Heritage Silk in color 5641. This yarn is a fingering weight blend composed of 85% Superwash Merino Wool and 15% Silk, providing both durability and luxurious drape. Each skein contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and 437 yards (400 meters) of yardage, making it perfectly proportioned for this single-skein project. The silk content contributes to the soft, silky quality that makes this stole comfortable worn as a scarf around the neck.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, which can be either straight or circular depending on your preference. Gauge is noted as not critical for this project, allowing for flexibility in your knitting tension. However, if you naturally knit tightly, the pattern recommends going up one or two needle sizes to achieve the desired light and airy lace fabric. This flexibility makes the project accessible to knitters with varying tension characteristics.

Skill Level and Project Characteristics

Rated as an intermediate project, Orange Crush is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace patterns. The four-row repeat in the body section is designed to be easily memorized, reducing the need to constantly reference the pattern instructions. The alternating lace and plain knit rows provide rhythm and make the project manageable to work on the go. Its lightweight construction and straightforward stitch requirements make it an ideal portable project for knitters who want to work on something during travel or casual crafting sessions.