Valley Yarns Joshua Tree Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Joshua Tree Knitted Wrap

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Joshua Tree is a beginner-friendly knitted wrap designed by Susan Baron. This piece measures 14½ inches wide and 66 inches long, excluding fringe, making it an ideal accessory for layering on summer evenings or when additional warmth is needed in air-conditioned spaces. The wrap is versatile and stylish, designed to complement a wide range of outfits.

Construction and Techniques

This wrap is worked seamlessly in the round using a slip-stitch stripe pattern, which creates visual interest while remaining accessible for beginners. The construction method is innovative and practical: the wrap is knitted in a circular fashion, then strategically cut and unraveled to create self-fringing on the finished edges. This self-fringing technique eliminates the need for separate fringe attachment.

The design includes thoughtful shaping details to prevent edge distortion. Stitches are increased on the final round of the bottom border and decreased on the first round of the top border to keep the garter stitch edges from ruffling. The first and last 20 stitches of each round are worked in knit stitch, and once the wrap is completed, all but these 40 stitches are bound off. The fringe is created by cutting through the middle of the stockinette section and allowing the stitches to unravel naturally.

Stitches Used

• Slip-stitch stripe pattern: The primary stitch pattern that creates the striped colorwork effect while maintaining an easy skill level
• Garter stitch: Used for the edges to provide structure and definition
• Stockinette stitch: The base stitch in the central section that unravels to form the fringe
• Long-Tail Cast-On: The recommended cast-on method for this project, using 424 stitches

Materials and Specifications

This wrap requires Valley Yarns Charlemont yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 60% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 20% Silk, and 20% Polyamide. The yarn is soft, drapey, and easy to care for due to the superwash treatment. Three colors are used in the design:

• Color A (Mulberry): 2 hanks (100g/439 yards per hank)
• Color B (Natural): 1 hank (100g/439 yards)
• Color C (Black): 1 hank (100g/439 yards)

Needles required include a US size 7 (4.5 mm) 40-inch circular needle, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Skill Level

The pattern is rated at Easy skill level, making it suitable for knitters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward project. The gauge is 32 stitches and 22 rounds equal 4 inches in the slip-stitch stripe pattern when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is important for the wrap to reach its intended finished measurements.