Shibui Knits Umbria Wrap Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Umbria Ethereal Triangle Wrap

What Is Being Made

The Umbria is a modern triangular wrap designed by Kristin Ford that combines clean geometric lines with transparent striping effects. This versatile wrap features a finished center spine length of 22.5 inches and a wingspan of 54 inches, making it suitable for multiple styling options. The triangular shape allows for traditional shoulder draping or close wrapping around the neck as a scarf, providing flexibility in how the finished piece can be worn.

Techniques Used

This wrap is worked using a top-down, seamless, worked-flat construction, which allows the knitter to shape the garment as they work without requiring seaming. The design incorporates striped patterning throughout, created by alternating between different yarn combinations. A distinctive lace-like edge is generated simultaneously with the body of the wrap during the knitting process, eliminating the need for separate edging work. The pattern uses yarn overs to create the openwork and shaping increases that define the triangular silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Umbria primarily employs stockinette stitch as the foundational stitch throughout the wrap. Yarn overs are used strategically for both shaping and creating the transparent, lace-like qualities of the design. The construction includes increases worked through yarn overs positioned at the center spine and edges to achieve the triangular shape. These fundamental stitch techniques combine to create the modern aesthetic while maintaining the ethereal quality that defines the wrap.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Umbria is designed to be worked with two premium yarns held together throughout most of the pattern. Shibui Knits Tweed Silk Cloud comprises the primary yarn, featuring a blend of 65% silk and 35% kid mohair, with 190 yards per 174 meters per skein; two skeins are required for this project. Shibui Knits Lunar serves as the complementary yarn, composed of 60% extra fine merino and 40% mulberry silk, providing 401 yards per 365 meters per skein; one skein is needed. Both yarns contain high silk content and will relax significantly after washing, making proper blocking essential for accurate gauge measurement.

The wrap is knitted on size 8 (5 mm) needles worked flat. The recommended gauge is 14 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when one strand of Lunar and one strand of Tweed Silk Cloud are held together and measured after blocking. Additional tools include a locking stitch marker, tapestry needle for finishing, and optional blocking wires to shape the finished piece.

Pattern Construction Details

The Umbria begins with a cast-on of 7 stitches and is worked in a striped pattern that alternates between holding both Lunar and Tweed Silk Cloud together and working with a single strand of Tweed Silk Cloud alone. This alternation creates the transparent striping effect that highlights the wrap's modern geometry. The pattern repeats a sequence of rows multiple times to build the triangular shape, with yarn overs placed strategically at the center spine and edges to create increases. The lace-like edge develops organically through the yarn over placements, eliminating the need for a separate border. The skill level is rated as Easy, making this an accessible project for knitters with basic competency.

Design Features and Fiber Properties

The pairing of Tweed Silk Cloud and Lunar creates a striking contrast between solid and ethereal sections. The high silk content in both yarns—combined with the kid mohair in Tweed Silk Cloud and the extra fine merino in Lunar—produces a luxurious drape and soft hand. Both yarns relax after washing, which is why the pattern notes emphasize the importance of washing and blocking your gauge swatch to obtain accurate measurements before beginning the project. This relaxation contributes to the wrap's fluid, elegant appearance when worn.