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!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoWisperWrap. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2-3 skeins of Anzula’s Mermaid, 60% Sea Cell, 40% Silk. Each skein is 670 yards; approximately 2,000 yards required. This color is Maple.
- A US 3 (3.25 mm), 24 or 32 inch circular needle
- Small stitch markers
Gauge
32 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, unblocked
31 stitches = 4 inches in pattern stitch, unblocked
Size
Unblocked Dimensions: 62 inches x 19 inches
Blocked Dimensions: 72 inches x 20 inches
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 47 x 10 (the multiple) = 470 and 470 + 11 = 481, and 10 is an even number. But 528 wouldn’t work because its multiple (11) is odd: 47 x 11 (the multiple) = 517 and 517 + 11 = 528. 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.
Pattern
Cast on 481 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On. (Tip: When I cast on this many stitches, I place a stitch marker every 50 stitches. That way, when [not if] 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!
Hi Purl Soho, I am past the initial 7 knit rows and into the Rows 2 and 3 repeats. However, I am noticing that the Ktog, YO X2 and YO, SSK eyelets don’t create the same (but mirror image) pattern in my hands- have I messed something up OR will it all come together as the project continues/blocking? Also the section in the middle where you have the KTog YOX2 meeting the YO SSK isn’t broadening into a wide V- there remains only one stitch (stemming from the initial K1 that you have bridging them in Row 1). I am stressed because I have already put a lot of work into this and I don’t want to continue if I am on the wrong track. Thanks!
Hi Nikki,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern. Just so you know, the K2tog and SSK with the yarn overs will create mirror image eyelets. This is a good thing! You should always block any piece with eyelets so they show. For the middle section where the K2tog and SSK meet, you should make a small swatch of this section using larger yarn and about 24 cast on stitches. If you whip up a few small swatches you’ll be able to practice the middle portion and see faster if you are doing it correctly. It is hard for me to tell you whether you are right or wrong without seeing the piece in person. I hope this helps.
Best,
Adam
Is it possible that you’re not moving the stitch marker? I’ve read through the pattern and it seems the stitch marker is being moved which would create the “v” in the pattern.
Hi Sabrina,
Thanks for helping out. Yes, this could be why the “v” is not broadening.
Best,
Adam
Hi,
I was interested in making this shawl, for a friend, but I see the yarn is discontinued. Can you recommend and alternative? For my friend, I was considering a lavendery color.
Thanks
Cecily
Hello Cecily,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern! I suggest you look at our Linen Quill in “Lavender Opal” or if you’d like something fancier, you could look at Jade Sapphire in “Lavender Ice”. Best of luck on this project!
-Adam
Would a Quince&Co Sparrow linen work for this pattern? I have 3 skeins 168yds each, would that be enough to do a reasonably good length?
Hi Rehana,
Thanks for writing in! While the Quince&Co Sparrow yarn is a good weight and texture for this project, you will need at least 1400 yards. The wrap is rather long! This would mean you’ll need nine skeins of Sparrow to do the smallest version. I suggest you take a look at the Dovetail Scarf for your yarn. This pattern can be adapted to any yarn or needle. Also, I think it would look quite nice in Sparrow!
Best,
Adam
I must be doing something wrong in this pattern. I knit rows 1-7. When I do Row 1: K5, (k43, place marker, [k2tog, yo] 2 times) 5 times, k1, (place marker, [yo, ssk] 2 times) 5 times, k5.
I end up with too many stitches at the end. After 5 times first section, you end with k2tog, yo then k1 correct? Can’t figure out what I am doing wrong.
Hello Candi,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern! Here is how the repeat breaks down:
Knit 43, place marker, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo – do this five times then the second half of the wrap goes like…
Place marker, yo, ssk, yo, ssk, knit 43 – do this five times as well.
I hope this clears things up!
-Adam
I have a similar problem. On row 1 the first section( after the 5 border stitches) contains 43 stitches , the subsequent sections contain 45 stitches, and there are too many stitches at the end. What am I missing?
Hi Susan,
Thanks for reaching out! I think that I can help! This row can be a bit confusing but please be assured that it is correct. I like to write it out long form to get the gist. Also this row does not decrease in stitches as each k2tog (in the first section) or ssk (in the second section) is paired with a YO that increases the decreased stitch and creates the hole that gives this pattern its look! In essence “k2tog, yo” of “yo, ssk” uses 2 stitches but increases one and decreases one, leaving you with 2 stitches at the end.
Row 1 reads: K5, (k43, place marker, [k2tog, yo] 2 times) 5 times, k1, (place marker, [yo, ssk] 2 times, k43) 5 times, k5.
Row 1 written long form reads: K5, k43, place marker, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k43, place marker, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k43, place marker, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k43, place marker, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k43, place marker, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, place marker, yo, ssk, yo, ssk, k43, place marker, yo, ssk, yo, ssk, k43, place marker, yo, ssk, yo, ssk, k43, place marker, yo, ssk, yo, ssk, k43, place marker, yo, ssk, yo, ssk, k43,k5.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I was thinking of making this in Blue Sky Fiber’s Metalico yarn. I was looking for something with a little shimmer and a little more warmth. Do you think this could be made to work? If so, I was wondering how many stitches I would need to cast on and how many yards of yarn I would need to purchase. Thanks in advance for any advice on this.
Hello Nicole,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern! I think this wrap would look stunning in Metallico! I suggest you do a swatch to see on which needle you like the stitch definition and then determine your stitches per inch from there. The pattern notes tell you that the wrap is knit over multiples of 47 plus 11 stitches, so you can easily edit the cast on amount based on your stitches per inch. Off the top of my head, I suggest you use a size US 4 needle and cast on 481 for a long scarf or 387 for a shorter scarf. Let me know if you have any other questions! Best of luck!
-Adam
Hello,
Do you think the Cattail silk yarn would be a good substitute for the discontinued yarn? I would like this to have a little bit of shine so that it’s dressier.
Hi Julieanne,
Thanks for writing in! I do think that Cattail Silk could work well here. It is a bit thicker than the original yarn used but that said I do think that you could knit it as written using the same needles. I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch to be sure that you are getting the correct gauge.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I have completed the first section of the pattern and now at the point where it states repeat, but I cannot see in repeating rows 2 and 3 for the second set of the pattern will give me a new V in the centre, rather where the mirror images of the lace work out to the edges, there will just be a large empty space.
The photo shows the V recommencing but where /how does it tell me to do that?
I cannot work out how to start a new centre pattern after completing the first set of patterns to +
Hello Carol,
Thank you for reaching out!
Beginning the second set of V’s isn’t the same as when you begin the project because what’s happening on either side of the V isn’t the same at this point as it was at the beginning. As you are working the stitch pattern you are also moving your stitch markers as you go. As you work your pattern, the second second set of v’s will emerge.
Please let us know if you encounter any problems or have any more questions.
-Marilla
Do all of the “V’s” merge into the garter stitch margin? When do the 2nd set of “V’s
” emerge?
Hello Laura,
Thank you for reaching out! Yes, all of the V’s end at the garter stitch border. Because you are working multiple V’s at once within your rows, your second V will start to emerge from the beginning of your project.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’d like to make this a little shorter. About 60 inches in length after blocking using the Linen Quill. How many stitches should I cast on?How many repeats? How many skeins do I need?
Thanks
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this wrap will be beautiful in Linen Quill.
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 47 x 10 (the multiple) = 470 and 470 + 11 = 481, and 10 is an even number. But 528 wouldn’t work because its multiple (11) is odd: 47 x 11 (the multiple) = 517 and 517 + 11 = 528. Because of all this If you wish to shorten the pattern I would recommend a cast on of 387 (47×8+11).
This will make your repeat look like this;
For Row 1, for example, you will…
K5, (k43, place marker, [k2tog, yo] 2 times) 4 times, k1, (place marker, [yo, ssk] 2 times, k43) 4 times, k5.
And for Row 3, for example, you will…
*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.
As far as yardage goes I think you will need three skeins of Linen Quill.
I hope this is helpful and makes sense. Let me know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
I am concerned that the stitch count for a cast on of 387 should change the number of stitches or the number of repeats in row 1, am I correct? Otherwise it seems that the numbers don’t add up? Thanks & Happy New Year!
Hello Chris,
Thank you for reaching out! Yes, your row one will be “K5, (k43, place marker, [k2tog, yo] 2 times) 4 times, k1, (place marker, [yo, ssk] 2 times, k43) 4 times, k5.” rather than the original where you knit your repeat 5 times.
I hope this makes sense and let us know if you have any questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi
I see you have recommended some other yarns since the Anzula was discontinued.
Can you please let us know the best substitutes? I really fell in love with the look of this project in the photos so what will look and feel the most similar to the Mermaid yarn?
Thanks!
Hi Natalie
Thanks for writing in! Anzula Mermaid was quite a unique yarn and we don’t have anything that is extremely similar. I would opt for either Anzula Cloud or our Cattail Silk. I think both would be great options! The Cattail Silk might be a bit more like the Mermaid but I think either will work well!
Best,
Cassy
Hello!
I’m thinking of knitting one for my mom to attend a spring wedding so am looking for a light, and maybe even shiny/glossy, yarn. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you!
Hello Sara,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this wrap would be beautiful in Jade Sapphire’s Khata or our Cattail Silk.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I kept going with this and made in into a really nice blanket with a 70% extrafine merino wool, 30% silk blend. It ended up using about 3700 yards and took awhile but made a lovely light throw with an easy lace pattern. Thanks for the great pattern!
Hello,
I would like to knit this using Habu Textiles N-85. Do I need to make any changes to the pattern if I’m using this 100% silk yarn?
Thank you,
Tali
Hello Tali,
Thank you for reaching out! This yarn will should work beautifully with this pattern. I think the tweedy texture of this yarn will be an interesting twist on the original design.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi. Do you think this pattern would work in the line weight?
thanks
Hello Im,
Thank you for reaching out! This wrap would be beautiful in Line Weight.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
How many skeins of linen quill would be needed for this project?
Hello Wendy,
Thank you for reaching out! You will need three skeins of Linen Quill for this project.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’m a bit confused by this instruction: +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.
What happens when we “knit on the right side until the first marker.”? For some reason, I find this confusing! I have repeated row 2 and started the repeat of row 3. I have kitted until 5 stitches before the first marker. Then what is next? I can easily finish the right side row. But why the instruction to knot until 5 stitches before the first marker? Am I supposed to do something special at this point?
Thanks for the clarification!
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m happy to clear this step up for you! Each time you work Row 3, your first stitch marker will be moving one stitch closer to the beginning of your row. Rather than knitting until you are five stitches before the marker, you will repeat rows 2 and 3 until there are only 5 stitches left at the beginning of the row before you get to the stitch marker. After that, you can move on to the next set of instructions!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Quick question. Is the bottom of the ‘V’ at the start of the pattern or the end of the pattern? The reason I ask is because I may run out of yarn, and it would look pretty stupid if my ‘V’ wasn’t a ‘V’, if you know what I mean.
Thanks!
Hi Hwei-Ying,
Thanks for writing in! Fortunately, yes, this wrap does start at the point of the V’s, so if you run out of yarn, it should still look finished!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I’m getting ready to make this wrap for a third time. I’m wondering how I should modify the pattern to make it a bit wider. The length is perfect. Any guidance you can provide will be most appreciated.
Hi Sara!
Thank you for your question! This wrap is worked over an even multiple of 47 stitches plus 11. The pattern has you cast on 481 stitches [(47 x 10) + 11] for a 20 inch wide wrap after blocking, with a gauge of 8 stitches per inch unblocked. With that in mind, you can cast on 575 stitches for the next size up, which would be (47 x 12) + 11 stitches, and thus an even multiple of 47, for a 24 inch wide wrap. The next size up would be (47 x 14) + 11 = 669 stitches for 28 inch wrap width. You can continue to scale this math up for as wide as you would like the wrap to be!
I hope this helps, and happy knitting!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi! This is my first time making this wrap, and i was wondering if it is knit like a scarf, from one side to the other, or from the bottom up? I was thinking about putting some ombre stripes in, and that information woulf be super helpful.
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out, and that’s a great idea! This scarf is knit along the long side, meaning that you cast on for the 72-inch length, and then follow the pattern to reach the 20-inch width. Hope this helps you plan!
All the best,
Lili