INTRODUCTION

Perla

by Patty Olson

Perla is a super soft, fuzzy, warm, cozy and fun wrap to knit and to snuggle up in. Living in Minnesota as I do, I'm always in search of an accessory that isn't just functional. So, I designed Perla with pure comfort and relaxation in mind, with the added benefit of warmth.

The yarns, while bulky, feel surprisingly light but are warm. I added accent rows of little buds for a bit of whimsy (and who doesn't need that when the weather turns cold?), along with optional decorative buttons on each end of the wrap because, well, buttons!

Wearing Perla might just be the thing to finding your happy place.

model: Maegan Dolfay

photos: Patty Olson

SIZE

One size - adjustable

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Width: 16 inches / 40 cm
Length: 68 inches / 173 cm

See pattern notes for instructions on adjusting size

MATERIALS

Yarn
[MC] Rico Design Fashion Light Luxury [74% alpaca, 22% wool, 4% nylon; 142yd/130m per 50g skein]; color: Pearl 033; 4 balls
[CC] Universal Yarn Bamboo Bloom Handpaints [44% wool, 48% rayon from bamboo, 8% acrylic; 154yd/141m per 100g skein]; color: Emaki 338; 1 skein

Yarn Characteristics
The sample shown uses 2 bulky weight yarns creating a light yet cozy and warm accessory. Other yarn suggestions:
MC: Mohair blends, alpaca, cashmere, yak, wool blends. Anything with fuzzy or lofty fibers. Smooth wool would be also lovely and elevate the wrap to a work or date feel.
CC: Chenille, boucle, felted tweed, tweed, handspun. Using same type of fiber for both sections would be a great combination.
Contrasting colors between MC and CC will allow the CC sections to stand out more. A variegated CC with a solid MC would be fun!

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
US 10/6mm circular needle, 40 inches/100 cm or longer recommended

Notions
16 1-inch/2.5 cm buttons, 8 each of 2 designs or all one design
color-coordinating thread and sewing needle, to attach buttons
yarn needle

GAUGE

14 sts/20 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

Construction method: The wrap is worked lengthwise, flat.

To change the width, change the cast on number; adding or removing multiples of 24 sts. Should you prefer to adjust the depth, change the number of times you work the striping pattern repeat.

Slipped sts: all sts are slipped purlwise with yarn held to the back; on WS rows, the yarn is therefore held to the RS.

DIRECTIONS

Using the long tail or your preferred method and MC, cast on 228 sts.

Ribbing
Row 1 [RS]: *K12, p12; rep from * to last 12 sts, k12.
Row 2 [WS]: *P12, k12; rep from * to last 12 sts, p12.
Repeat Rows 1-2 three more times, total 8 rows.

MC Stripe
Stockinette Row 1 [RS]: Knit.
Stockinette Row 2 [WS]: Purl.

Note: All MC Stripes will be worked in Stockinette Stitch as given, beginning with a RS row, ending with a WS row. This first stripe, and the last stripe, are only 2 rows deep. The second and second-last stripes are 2.5 inches/4 cm deep; all other MC stripes should be 1 inch/2.5 cm deep.

CC Stripe
Join CC.
Note: MC will remain attached throughout; CC is joined for the separate stripes.

Row 1 [RS]: K1, *[k1, yo, k1] all in the next st, sl1 wyib; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2 [WS]: P1, *sl1 wyib, k3togtbl; rep from * to last st, p1.
Break CC.

MC Stripe
Work Stockinette stitch for 2.5 inches/4 cm, ending with a WS row.

[Work a CC Stripe followed by a one-inch deep MC Stripe] 5 times.
Work a CC Stripe followed by a 2.5 inch/4 cm deep MC Stripe.
Work a CC Stripe followed by a two-row MC Stripe.

Repeat Ribbing.

Bind off, using a larger needle if required to keep the stitches from pulling in too much. The bound-off edge should be the same width as the knitted rows to avoid puckering.

FINISHING

Block, by soaking in lukewarm water with a suitable wool wash, remove from water without wringing or twisting, place between a folded towel and press to remove extra moisture, then lay flat to dry. Weave in ends. Optional buttons (purely decorative): Sew a button to the end of each CC row with color-coordinating thread.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Patty Olson is a designer of knitted accessories who lives in a small St. Paul suburb in Minnesota with her husband, KDO. He is one of her biggest supporters and never hesitates to let her know when the yarns she's chosen should not go together. She may or may not always listen.

You can find her on Ravelry, Instagram or Facebook.

Pattern & images © 2024 Patty Olson