Looking to knit a big snuggly color block wrap this autumn? Today is the day to start. The Lochlann Wrap launched this morning with my friends at Hudson + West Co! This shawl pattern has got it all: a little openwork, some ribbing, some clever slipped stitches and three gorgeous colors. In fact, you’ll want to check out the entire collection. It’s chock full of stunning looks for fall and winter!
The Lochlann Wrap Pattern
Engagement is the name of the game when you knit this autumn wrap. It’s a classic triangle worked in blocks of sophisticated color, each with a different rhythm. The Lochlann Wrap is a virtual feast of texture. Many thanks to talented sample knitter Kate D. for her expertise and feedback!
A grand wrap for fall (and every season to come) — Lochlann by our pal Cheryl Toy is one big, squishy, cozy shawl covered in leaf lace, slip stitch stripes, garter stitch, ribbing, and bound off with a contrasting I-cord for a spectacular finish. Made in our soft and airy Weld, this large triangular shawl is worked from the top-center down, growing with increases along the center spine and edges. An irresistible knit, this design has serious “one more row” syndrome.
A Shawl Pattern Inspired by a Chessboard!
When you knit the Lochlann Wrap, look for these influences! With its openwork squares, dashed lines and energized stripes, this color block wrap reminds me of a chess board with all the moves penciled in. Carefully composed and logically laid out, this classic triangle is a meditative, easily memorized knit with just enough excitement to keep your head in the game. Beginning with intuitive diamonds, this shawl pattern moves to a little reverse stockinette and some simple 2×2 ribbing. To add a little complexity, dotted stripes introduce a third color and an easy slip stitch technique. The end game is a deep border of ribbing. I’ve added extra stitches to this border to ensure a really lush, thickly ribbed border. The Lochlann Wrap finishes with a narrow rolled edge in the main color.
Creating a Color Block Wrap
Initially, I was inspired by the slip stitch stripes that form the inner border of the Lochlann Wrap. It reminded my of the movement of chess pieces as you imagine them during play. From there, I framed the stripes with a neutral ground and piled the third color, the key color, on top. A narrow edging in the key color tightened up the design. Riffing on the chess board theme, the leaf lace seemed an obvious choice. Its crosshatched texture evokes a chess board too. With a little help from Weld, the glorious fingering weight yarn from Hudson + West Co, a generously sized color block wrap began to emerge.
I hope you’ll enjoy knitting the Lochlann Wrap pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it! Next step: get on over to Hudson + West Co to choose your palette…that’s the tricky bit!
