The Orthagon Wrapper

Part shawl, part blanket, the Orthagon Wrapper is a generously sized, rectangular “shlanket”. Simple garter stitch stripes in varying widths are turned at right angles by working a series of increases. The unusual construction and finishing details of this piece make basic garter stitch anything but boring!

Copyright Harper Point Photography/Interweave

For the sample I used Blue Sky Fibers Baby Alpaca, a luxuriously soft sportweight yarn, in the colors Navy Blue and Blue Cheese. My original design idea was in black and white, but I love these soft blues together! Blue Sky has a range of sophisticated heathered colors in this yarn, so there are lots of possible combinations.

Copyright Harper Point Photography/Interweave

The Orthagon Wrapper is a lot of knitting, but it’s mostly meditative garter stitch. Even though the colors are changed frequently for the stripes, there are not a lot of ends to weave in because the color not in use is carried up the side of the work and hidden inside the i-cord edging. Working each half of the shawl separately keeps the work a manageable size.

Copyright Harper Point Photography/Interweave

Grafting in garter stitch is a little bit different from grafting in Stockinette, but it really isn’t difficult. The editors at Interweave have provided detailed directions and a diagram to simplify the process. You’ll find this pattern, and nine others, in Wool Studio Volume VI.

Copyright Harper Point Photography/Interweave

I hope you enjoy knitting this new pattern as much as I enjoyed making it!

Thank you for knitting!