Team Afghan Wrap Knitting Pattern

Team Afghan Wrap Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Team Afghan Wrap is a bold, striped knitting pattern designed by JoAnne Turcotte for Plymouth Yarn. This wrap combines two contrasting colors in a simple yet striking design, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking straightforward construction with dramatic visual impact. The finished wrap measures approximately 42 by 50 inches, providing generous coverage as a throw or wrap.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted weight yarn in two colors: red (color A, shade 1386) and blue (color B, shade 133). The project requires 3 balls of 100 grams each in each color. Knitters will need one 24-inch circular needle in size US 11 to complete the wrap.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches over 4 inches using size US 11 needles in garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements. Knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to match this gauge before beginning the project.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Team Afghan Wrap employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary stitch used throughout is garter stitch, created by knitting every row. This classic stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges.

The pattern features a distinctive color-blocking technique where knitters alternate between two yarn colors, working only one row with each color before switching. This creates bold horizontal stripes across the width of the wrap. The construction method involves:

• Casting on 150 stitches very loosely with color A, leaving an 8-inch tail
• Cutting the yarn and attaching color B with another 8-inch tail
• Knitting a single row with color B
• Repeating the color change process, alternating between colors A and B for each row
• Maintaining 8-inch tails at each end of every row throughout the project
• Continuing until nearly depleting the yarn or reaching the desired width of approximately 42 inches
• Binding off very loosely with color A

Finishing Details

The wrap features decorative fringe created from the numerous yarn tails left throughout construction. Knitters knot three tail sections together across each end to form grouped fringe sections, then trim the fringe to the desired length. This finishing technique adds movement and visual interest to the completed wrap while utilizing the tails created during the color-changing process.

Design Characteristics

The alternating single-row stripes in red and blue create a patriotic or team-spirited color scheme, reflected in the pattern name. The use of garter stitch ensures the fabric remains flat and stable while the loose casting and binding off techniques prevent tight edges that could curl or pucker. The generous finished dimensions make this wrap suitable for draping over shoulders or using as a decorative throw.