Whit's Knits: Whisper Wrap

Summer's parties demand some tricky layering strategies. As the moon rises and the air turns nippy, it's no fun having to cover up your pretty dress with a cardigan or jacket, and yet goose bumps aren't exactly the perfect party accessory either. And so at times like these, a graceful wisp of a shawl comes in awfully handy!

The Whisper Wrap falls like a breath of golden light, a bit diaphanous and a whole lot elegant. A simple chevron lace pattern gives it a spare structure that's at home with any outfit, from your little black dress to your wedding dress!

For a beautiful shine and a unique story, I knit the Whisper Wrap with Anzula's Mermaid. It combines traditional silk with a newfangled seaweed-based fiber called Seacell, straight from the ocean's floor. Durable, insulating, super soft and absolutely gorgeous, it's quite an invention!

For all of this season's weddings and outdoor get togethers, your very own Whisper Wrap is the perfect companion!

The Materials

• 2 skeins of Anzula's Mermaid, 60% Sea Cell, 40% Silk. This color is Maple. (This pattern uses almost the entire 2 skeins of Mermaid [I had only 8 grams left]. Please be sure to get the correct gauge so you don't run out of yarn! If you'd prefer to have an extra skein on hand, remember that if you don't end up needing it, you can exchange it for store credit in its original condition and within 6 months of buying it.)

• A US #3, 24 or 32 inch circular needle.

• Small stitch markers.

The Pattern

Gauge

8 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch

Finished Size

62 inches x 19 inches (unblocked)

72 inches x 20 inches (blocked)

Note

This pattern is knit on a multiple of 47 plus 11 stitches. Make sure also that the multiple is an even number. For example, 481 works because 481 ÷ 47 = 10, and 10 is an even number. But 528 wouldn't work because 528 ÷ 47 = 11, an odd munber. Keep in mind that if you decide to cast on a different number than I did, you will be working over a different number of repeats.

Begin

Cast on 481 stitches. (Tip: When I cast on this many stitches, I place a stitch marker every 50 stitches. That way, when I lose track, I'll never have to count more than 50 stitches. You can remove the markers as you knit the first row.)

Knit 7 rows.

Row 1 (right side): K5, (k43, place marker, [k2tog, yo] 2 times) 5 times, k1, (place marker, [yo, ssk] 2 times, k43) 5 times, k5.

Row 2 (wrong side): K5, purl to last 5 stitches, k5.

Row 3: *Knit to 1 stitch before next marker, slip stitch to right needle, remove marker, slip stitch back to left needle, place marker on right needle, [k2tog, yo] 2 times, repeat from * 4 more times, **knit to next marker, remove marker, k1, place marker on right needle, [yo, ssk] 2 times, repeat from ** 4 more times, knit to end.

+Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until, on the right side, 5 stitches remain before the first marker. Finish the right side row and knit one more Row 2. 

Next Row (right side): K5, remove marker, k1, k2tog, yo, *knit to 1 stitch before next marker, slip stitch to right needle, remove marker, slip stitch back to left needle, place marker on right needle, [k2tog, yo] 2 times, repeat from * 3 more times, **knit to next marker, remove marker, k1, place marker on right needle, [yo, ssk] 2 times, repeat from ** 3 more times, knit to last marker, remove marker, k1, yo, ssk, k6.

Next Row (wrong side): Repeat Row 2.

Next Row: K5, k2tog, yo, *knit to 1 stitch before next marker, slip stitch to right needle, remove marker, slip stitch back to left needle, place marker on right needle, [k2tog, yo] 2 times, repeat from * 3 more times, **knit to next marker, remove marker, k1, place marker on right needle, [yo, ssk] 2 times, repeat from ** 3 more times, knit to last 7 stitches, yo, ssk, k5.

Next Row: Repeat Row 2.

Next Row: *Knit to 1 stitch before next marker, slip stitch to right needle, remove marker, slip stitch back to left needle, place marker on right needle, [k2tog, yo] 2 times, repeat from * 3 more times, **knit to next marker, remove marker, k1, place marker on right needle, [yo, ssk] 2 times, repeat from ** 3 more times, knit to end.++

Next Row: Repeat Row 2.

Next Row: *Knit to 1 stitch before next marker, slip stitch to right needle, remove marker, slip stitch back to left needle, place marker on right needle, [k2tog, yo] 2 times, repeat from * 3 more times, k43, place marker, [k2tog, yo] 2 times, k1, place marker, [yo, ssk] 2 times, **knit to next marker, remove marker, k1, place marker on right needle, [yo, ssk] 2 times, repeat from ** 3 more times, knit to end.

Repeat from + to ++.

Knit 7 rows.

Bind off on the right side in knit. If you have a needle one size larger than the one you've been knitting with, use it to bind off. Otherwise, just be sure to bind off loosely.

Weave in your ends and gently block your shawl. All done!

Comments

[Sophia]

Love the pattern. :-) Your link to the mermaid yarn does not work

[purl bee]

Thanks Sophia- We fixed the link. Thanks for letting us know!

Molly

[Joanne]

Usually there is a link to "print" a pattern...can't seem to find one here, but am anxious to print this up!

Thanks,

--Joanne

[Vicky]

Do not see a way to print this pattern.

[purl bee]

Hi Vicky and Joanne,
The link to print has been added - thanks for letting us know!

[Sarah]

I love this pattern - do you have other yarn recommendations? Wondering about Jade Sapphire 2 ply Cashmere SIlk.

Thank you.

[Ali Challacombe]

I am going to make this, it's beautiful. Is there a website that I can order the silk/seaweed yarm from?

Thank you for the pattern, I love it, looking for years for something like this for plane travel & summer evenings, easy on and off but pretty.

Ali
da2bikes@yahoo.com

[Jen LN]

This shawl looks amazing! I am intimidated by the tiny needles and thin yarn, however. What is the estimated time to complete the shawl (by a confident advanced beginner)?

[purl bee]

Hi Ali-

You can order this yarn and all of the yarns we feature in our projects directly from our webstore, Purlsoho.com. Just click on the name of the yarn listed in the "materials" section of any pattern and you'll be taken directly to that product.

Below is a direct link to the Anzula Mermaid: http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8321-Anzula-Mermaid

Thanks for your question!

Molly

[purl bee]

Hi Sarah,

Yes, four skeins of Jade Sapphire's 2 Ply Cashmere Silk would be a lovely substitute, especially because it's on sale right now! It is a bit thicker than the Mermaid, so I would use a bigger needle (a US #5 would probably be nice for an average knitter). For a nice drapey knit, you'll want to knit fewer than 8 stitches to the inch, so your shawl will also end up a bit longer (For example, if you knit the Cashmere Silk at 6 1/2 stitches per inch, your shawl will be about 74 - 76 inches long.)

For more options, you can browse all of our Fingering Weight yarns right here: http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters[]=3

Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Whitney

[purl bee]

Hi Jen LN,

I can't say this was a quick knit! I'd estimate it would take an advanced beginner maybe 60 or 70 hours to complete, but I encourage you to give it a try! When you know going into it that it may take you quite a long time to finish, you can just relax and enjoy the journey, rather than trying to race to the end. Imagine the satisfaction when you do finish it!

Thanks for your question and good luck!
Whitney

[Gaylle]

Thank you for the pattern just what I have been wanting. This will be the perfect shawl.

[Debby]

Beautiful project... I just cast on and cannot wait to see the finished shawl. I did notice what may be a minor error in the pattern... I think that on row 1 after the center K1 it should read "(place marker, [yo, ssk] 2 times, k43) 5 times". Thanks again for an amazing pattern and for all the lovely inspiration.

[Mary]

I would love to make this wrap for my mother in law but I'm afraid it would be too long for her -- she's just 5" tall. What length would be best for a petite woman and how can I adjust the size without losing the same chevron pattern?

[purl bee]

HI Debby,

Absolutely right! Thank you so much -- I am sure you have saved lots of people a whole lot of frustration! (PS The pattern has been corrected.)

Whitney

[Bex]

I was wondering if Purl Soho has plan to restock their Anzula Mermaid yarns? I would love to get white or pearl color yarns. Does Anzula Mermaid have that color? I noticed that there is only 1 available for most of the yarns...

Also, I am thinking about using Habu Textiles 20/12 bamboo to make this shawl. What are your suggestions on that?

[purl bee]

Hi Bex-

We are definitely planning on restocking it! We have already ordered it and can let you know when it comes in if you drop us an email at:
customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com

Or if you'd rather use the Bamboo, it would also work and make a stunning wrap.

Thanks for your questions!

Molly

[renae]

hi! i am always interested in trying the knit pieces but am a very new beginner. i did complete one of the easier cowl patterns on the site but wonder if this is appropriate for someone in the beginner category?
thanks!
renae

[eunice]

hi. would you recommend the anzula wash my lace as a substitute for the anzula mermaid? 2 skeins? thanks :)

[purl bee]

Hi Mary,

You could cast on 387 stitches (instead of 481), and provided your gauge is correct, the finished length would be more like 50 inches unblocked and 60 inches blocked. Remember that instead of repeating instructions "five times", you'll want to repeat them four times.

I hope this helps! Thanks for the great question and good luck!
Whitney

[purl bee]

Hi Renae,

As a beginner, this pattern might get challenging when you make a mistake. If you don't know how to fix a mistake without taking out every stitch, you could end up frustrated. However, if you are a confident and patient knitter who likes a bit of a challenge, I would encourage you to give it a shot! It's not a particularly difficult lace pattern and it takes shape in a fairly obvious way. Just know that it may take you a very long time but that it could also end up being a great learning experience!

Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney

[Sandra]

May 23, 2012

Good Afternoon from Rainy North Vancouver..

I also just love your stunning Whisper Wrap. It is classy & elegant ...And yes one could be rather proud wearing it to a Wedding, Graduation, Anniversary and even out for Evening on the Town with your favourite partner or companion.. I think you would get a lot of people turning their heads not just once, but a couple of times.

You mentioned we can use either a 24" or 32" circular - I am wondering what you ended up using to knit yours?

Also since I too am what I call an Advanced Beginner that we could use a Fingering weight yarn instead of a Lace yarn.. I think for my first try I would
be more comfortable with a little heavier weight. Then see how it turns out.

As to the amount of time it might take to knit the Wrap, I would want to enjoy the experience rather than rush through it.. If my dear Ma was with us, I would gladly knit it for her..

I am not aware of any LYS who is carrying Mermaid here in Vancouver,BC as yet.
But may be able to buy Sweet Georgia that has the same yardage/grams and fiber conten as the Mermaid has...

Thank you so much for sharing the Pattern. I will read it over and make sure I understand all I need to know prior to start knitting it. And yes, we need to be careful not to make a mistake.. no fun in having to rip out ...

Sandy

[Mindy]

Hi

The pattern description says to use a light/DK weight, but the yarn you used is lace weight. Which is correct?

Thanks!

[Denise]

This is perfect........Last summer I made an oh so lightweight wrap that I loved. A dear friend who is non crafty couldn't be without it so.................it is now hers. Can't wait to get this started. Thank you for the tip on stitch counting. I don't usually need markers but to put this many stitches on my needles could be the straw that broke the camels back.

[purl bee]

Hi There Mindy-

I don't see in the pattern where it calls for a DK weight but please let me know if I'm missing something. The yarn used in this pattern is a lace weight and the gauge is 8 stitches per inch.

If you have any more questions please let us know! Thanks for writing in!

Molly

[Mindy]

This is where it says DK weight.

Summer Whisper Wrap

By: Whitney from the Purl Bee

It's hard keeping a secret when you find incredible knitted wrap patterns! While it might have whisper in the name, you'll have a hard time not singing The Summer Whisper Wrap's praises from the rooftops! Adorned with a basic chevron lace design, this classic, lightweight accessory is just what you need to keep you warm on a chilly summer night.


Summer Whisper Wrap

Knitting Needle Size: 3 or 3.25 mm, Circular Knitting Needles


Yarn Weight: (3) Light/DK (21-24 stitches to 4 inches)


Click here for knitting pattern

[purl bee]

Hi Mindy-

It looks like you are quoting a description from allfreeknitting.com, which we are not associated with. I will email them and ask them to change the description.

For the future, all of our patterns are available on our site here, at www.purlbee.com and should have the correct yarn requirements etc.

Thanks for pointing this out!

Molly

[Bridget]

Hi there,

What a beautiful shawl! Would I be able to substitute anzula wash my lace for the mermaid? Would there be any drawbacks to using the merino? Thanks!

[purl bee]

Hi Eunice and Bridget,

Both of you are asking about using Anzula's Wash My Lace instead of the Mermaid, and the answer is yes, you can definitely make the wrap with Wash My Lace! Here are some things to keep in mind:

The Wash My Lace is a bit thinner than the Mermaid, and so to get 8 stitches to the inch, you may end up with a slightly looser knit. Or you could knit the Wash My Lace however you like it and end up with a smaller wrap (or cast on an extra repeat for a longer wrap).

The other difference is that the Wash My Lace will have a lighter drape. The silk and sea cell in the Mermaid give it a heavier a hang than the 100% merino.

Also, you would need two skeins of the Wash My Lace since the project uses 1200-1400 yards.

I think it's a wonderful idea and I look forward to seeing both of your results!

Thanks so much for asking and good luck!
Whitney

[handmadebysue]

Is the first [set-up] row of the pattern asymmetrical? Please let me know as soon as possible. THANK YOU!

[purl bee]

Hi handmadebysue,

The first row is symmetrical. You should have a total of ten markers, five on each side of a center stitch. If you're having problems, please let me know and we can try to work them out!

Thanks for your question!
Whitney

[Megan]

Can I buy this please for my wedding this oct. 7? Please advise! Many thanks, Megan

[purl bee]

Hi Megan,
Unfortunately we do not sell finished knit goods. We do however have a number of knitters we could put you in touch with. If you would like to hire someone to knit this, please contact the shop at store@purlsoho.com
Congratulations on the nuptials.
Laura

[Melissa]

I'm fairly new to reading patterns and this is definitely the most ambitious project I've attempted. Can you please explain the instructions
+Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until, on the right side, 5 stitches remain before the first marker. Finish the right side row and knit one more Row 2.

Once I've repeated row 2, and starting row 3 I don't know what I'm supposed to do when I get to the first marker.

Thanks!

[Eakta]

Hi Whitney,

Do you think that the pattern would work in a variegated yarn? I love the original wrap you made but since the Mermaid is out of production for now, I am trying to find a good substitute.

Thanks,
Eakta

[purl bee]

HI Eakta,

Yes, I do! By the way, you can find some other solid-color substitutes right here: http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters[]=2

Thanks for asking!
Whitney

[Eakta]

One more question about using another yarn in place of the Mermaid. Is the Anzula Cloud or Sebastian close to the same thickness as the Mermaid? Or can you suggest some specific yarns you'd use as a substitute? The last link seems to be a lot of habu textile--are they pretty equivalent?

Thanks so much for your help!

Eakta

[purl bee]

Hi again Eakta,

Both would make beautiful substitutes, but I would lean toward the Sebastian. It is slightly closer in gauge (the Cloud is a bit thinner), and like the Mermaid, Sebastian contains Sea Cell which adds such a pretty luster and drape to the shawl.

I probably should have also sent you to this link because lots of these yarns would work as well: http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters[]=3 . They're a little thicker than the last link I sent you, and it's true that many of those Habu yarns are super thin. Of the yarns in this link I would check out the Spud & Chloe Fine because it contains silk, but my number one choice is still the Sebastian!

Let me know what you decide!
Whitney

[purl bee]

HI Melissa,

Each time you knit Row 3 you follow the same instructions: Knit to 1 stitch before next marker, slip stitch to right needle, remove marker, slip stitch back to left needle, place marker on right needle, [k2tog, yo] 2 times, repeat from * 4 more times, **knit to next marker, remove marker, k1, place marker on right needle, [yo, ssk] 2 times, repeat from ** 4 more times, knit to end.

This moves the first half of the markers one stitch to the right every other row and the second half the markers one stitch to the left. So eventually, instead of having 48 stitches before the first marker, you'll only have the 5 edge stitches.

If there's a section of Row 3 that's confusing you, please let me know and I can walk you through it!

Thanks for your question! And good luck!
Whitney

[Eakta]

I went with the Anzula Sebastian in Shittake. I ordered 4 skeins from you, will that be enough for the wrap do you think? I am making this one for a friend of mine. I hope she likes it.

Also, I was thinking that after I finish that one, there is a chance I'll want one for myself. I noticed you don't have the Jade Sapphire Cashmere Silk anymore, would you say that the Jade Sapphire 2 ply Cashmere would also be a good substitute for the Mermaid?

Thanks again for your advice and help!

Eakta

[Melissa]

Thank you Whitney, now I understand!

[purl bee]

Hi Eakta-

4 skeins of the Sebastian will be enough yarn. You will need 1400 yards of any yarn you choose.

The 2 ply cashmere would be very beautiful and work well. Other options would be Wash My Lace: http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7270-Anzula-Wash-My-Lace

Or Habu Bamboo for something shiny: http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8063-Habu-Textiles-2012-Bamboo

Thanks so much for writing in and please let us know if you have any more questions!

Molly

[fraufertig]

This is just amazing. I wish I could knit and crochet like you guys do over at Purl Soho!
Just a wonderful style. greetings from Germany

fraufertig

[Rebee]

It seems like I should be getting increases of stockinette stictch in the center, creating the central chevron in the shawl. But I must be reading the pattern wrong--if I continue as I'm going, I'm just going to have a central vertical line of lace stitches. Maybe I have failed to put the stitch markers in the correct place? Where do the stitches between the left-leaning and right-leaning lace detail in the center of the shawl come from?

I hope this makes sense.
thank-you for your help.

[Rebee]

***never mind**! I was being unbelievably dense!

[Mei]

Hello!
I've been working on this beautiful piece for a couple months now. I have a quick question about the repeating pattern. I've just finished the section that says to repeat from + to ++. Do I then continue on to the last 7 knit rows? Looking at the pictures and measurements it seems like mine isn't wide enough. The second chevron V in the middle isn't quite as long as yours appears (my second V is about 7 in. tall and about 13 in. total). Do I repeat more than once? I used a different yarn, so perhaps my gauge is a little different.
Thank you so much for the clarification. I can't wait to be able to wear it :)

[purl bee]

Hi Mel,

Yes, you do continue on to knit 7 rows (skipping the two rows after the ++). The point of your second V should end up pretty much right in the middle of your wrap (give or take 5 rows).

I hope this helps; I also can't wait for you to wear your wrap!

Whitney

[maggie]

question: is it possible to substitute your Habu Textiles Natural Linen..used another of their products for a project and loved it.

[purl bee]

Hi Maggie,

That's a totally beautiful idea! It's about the same size as the Mermaid and has a gorgeous drape and really lovely subtlety. Send us a picture when you're done!

Thanks for your question!
Whitney

[LouiseG84]

Do you think this would work well in a cotton crochet thread - say a satin perle #5 - or would the drape be too heavy? I have a lot left over from another project (ie at least 1400 yards) and have been looking for ways to use it up...