Moonstone Wrap
When I was at art school in Chicago one of my favorite escapes was to the Grainger Hall of Gems at the Field Museum of Natural History. Anytime I felt bogged down or stressed out, I would steal away to the gem room and feel instantly calmed in the presence of such incredible beauty. Purl Soho’s gorgeous new Silk Alpaca Alloy transports me back to that time and space.
Every inch of this chunky yarn glows, and like a crystal, Silk Alpaca Alloy is a marvel of construction with a glimmering silk net delicately encasing a fluffy alpaca center. Warm and light with a metallic shimmer and a comforting softness, Silk Alpaca Alloy is as unfathomable as earth’s creations.
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Knowing I would want to wear this yarn constantly, I used Silk Alpaca Alloy to whip up this Moonstone Wrap in my current favorite shape, the triangle. I love its versatility: Wrap it twice with the point hanging in front for a dramatic scarf, or drape it over your shoulders with the point in back for a casual shawl. Knit side or purl side out, any way you wear it, the Moonstone Wrap will make you feel like a gem! -Gina
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Gina Rockenwagner.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoMoonstoneWrap. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 3 skeins Purl Soho’s Silk Alpaca Alloy, 60% Baby Alpaca, 40% Mulberry Silk. I used the color Oyster Gray.
- A US 17 (12 mm), 32 or 40-inch circular needle
- Optional but helpful: A set of US 17 double pointed needles
Gauge
8 stitches = 4 inch in stockinette stitch
Size
Finished measurements: 70 inches along the long edge and 22 inches from bottom tip to top edge
Note
For tips on how to p2tog through the back loop (tbl), click here!
Pattern
Cast on 135 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1: K2, Purl 2 Together (p2tog), purl to last 4 stitches, p2tog through the back loop (tbl), k2. [2 stitches decreased]
Row 2: P2, Slip Slip Knit (ssk), knit to last 4 stitches, Knit Two Together (k2tog), p2. [2 stitches decreased]
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 7 stitches remain, ending with Row 2.
Final Row (purl side facing you): K2, p3tog, k2. [5 stitches]
Cut the yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail.
Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. Starting with the stitch furthest away from the tail, thread the needle through the 5 remaining stitches. The needle will exit the stitches right at the base of the tail. Pull firmly to finish.
Using the circular or double pointed needles if you have them, cast on 3 stitches. With the knit side of the wrap facing you, begin at the right end of the cast-on edge and work a 3-stitch Attached I-cord along the entire cast on edge. I worked one round of I-cord for every cast-on stitch. When you reach the left end of the cast-on edge, cut the yarn and thread it through the three I-cord stitches. Pull firmly to finish.
Weave in the ends.
Block as desired and enjoy your Moonstone Wrap!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Very pretty! But it’d be a lot more helpful if I could see what this wrap looks like when its not bunched up.
Hi Malinda!
I have added a schematic to the pattern so you can see the full shape of the wrap. Thanks for writing in with your question and kind compliment!
-Gina
This looks interesting but I’m having a hard time really seeing what it looks like. Is it possible to see a photo of the wrap laid out flat? Sounds like it has an interesting shape!
Hi Susie,
Thank you so much for your comment! I have added a schematic to the pattern so you can get a sense of the full shape of the wrap. Have a great evening!
-Gina
I agree… I would like to see a photo of the wrap laid out… I also don’t understand the i-cord addition… is it just to finish the edge?
Hi Sue,
Thank you for writing in! I have added a schematic to the pattern so you can get a complete idea of the shape.
You are completely correct about the i-cord addition – it not only gives the cast on edge a nice clean finish, it also keeps the edge from curling and perfectly mimics the look of the rolled edge on the other 2 edges of the triangle. This gives the scarf a professional looking, contiguous edge. Please don’t hesitate to ask if I can help with any other questions!
-Gina
I recently completed this wrap and ran out of yarn 8″ from the end of the attached i cord edge even though the gauge was the same as specified. I didn’t want to purchase another whole skein of yarn for such a small amount and had to leave the i cord off. Any suggestions aside from ripping the whole wrap out and using a smaller needle?
Hi Carola, We’re so sorry that you ran out of yarn! We tried to email you about it recently but haven’t heard back. If you wouldn’t mind emailing us at [email protected] we can try to get this sorted out for you! Thanks for letting us know!
I was thinking the same thing, would like to see it laying flat. Also, are all 3 skeins used or just a partial of the 3rd?
Hi Janet – Thank you for your question! I used 3 skeins in their entirety, I had only a very small amount left over. I’ve added a schematic to the pattern so you can get a complete sense of the size. Have a great evening! – Gina
This is a beautiful wrap. I second the request for a photo of it laid flat for a sense of the full dimension!
Hi Claire,
Thank you for your kind words! Unfortunately we didn’t get a picture of the wrap laying totally flat, but I’ve added a schematic to the pattern so you can get a sense of the shape. In terms of dimension, the wrap is very substantial but the yarn is nice and airy. So it’s not heavy at all, despite being warm and cozy. I hope that helps to give you an idea of what the finished wrap is like! Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.
-Gina
Thanks for including that!
Agree with Malinda – hard to visualize when item is scrunched.
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for writing in! I’ve added a schematic so you can visualize the size. I hope that helps! – Gina
The Gem Room at the New York Museum of Natural History had the same affect on me! I spent a good deal of time hiding out there on Saturday afternoons while in high school.
Hi MH – There is just something about gems! I love the gem room at the Natural History museum as well. Thank you for writing in! – Gina
I love this wrap, but was wondering if there was a 2-skein option. Any suggestions for how to cast on, to make it a little smaller?
Hi Katie,
Thank you so much for writing in with your question! If you cast on 111 stitches you can make a scarf 55 inches long (measuring the long side) and only use 2 skeins. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I did! – Gina
I am allergic to alpaca. Will you please suggest another yarn for this wrap?
Hi Chival-
You can use any chunky weight yarn! We would suggest our Super Soft Merino: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8944-Purl-Soho-Super-Soft-Merino
Thanks for writing in!
Molly
What color did you use ? It is hard for me to tell what the colors will look like. What beautiful yarn!
Hi Peg-
Gina used “Oyster Gray”. That info is also listed in the Materials section.
Thank you!
molly
Beautiful project!
How would you block it?
Hi Emilie-
Here is a link to our blocking tutorial:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/11/13/blocking/
Thank you so much for writing in and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Molly
What did you find to be the best way to transition balls of this yarn? Usually I graft ends together but not sure it will work with this unique fiber, and knitting with two strands held together would be super bulky though. Advice? Thanks!
Hi RFG! Great question. To transition balls of yarn, I knit the old strand together with the new strand I’m joining for just one stitch. When I was weaving in my ends, I tried to bury each end inside the net part of the yarn. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for writing in and please let me know if I can help with any more questions! – Gina
Hi- when you say a skein of yarn, what exactly does that mean? I noticed your silk/alpaca yarn is around 100 yards and your super soft merino yarn is 87 yards long. So if I used the merino would I need to buy more of it? Do you know how much yarn you need in yards? Sorry for the ‘newbie’ question, lol!
Hi Vanessa-
A skein isn’t a weight or yardage measurement, it’s just a unit of yarn. Like a box of chocolate, or a pad of paper, it can come in any size. It just means that it’s been twisted into a coil as opposed to rolled into a ball. So when you want to substitute a different yarn you need to figure out how many total yards the pattern is calling for. This particular pattern calls for 300 yards of a chunky weight yarn. So if you’d like to substitute the super soft merino you’d need to get 4 skeins.
Please let me know if you have any more questions or if this doesn’t make sense, and good luck with the project!
Best-
M
Would you change your needle size if using the Super Soft Merino? I noticed that the suggested size for the pattern is 17, but for the Merino it’s 13.
Hi Amy! Great question. I would recommend using size 13 needles with the Super Soft Merino. If you cast on 135 stitches like the pattern says, you will get a slightly smaller wrap. You could increase the number of stitches to 145 and get about the same size wrap. Thanks for writing in! – Gina
Hello, this may be basic but if I cast on to one circular needle and no additional one is mentioned in tools needed, how do I begin the project? I mean, do I need another circular needle to knit with? otherwise it will end up being knit in the round, right? Please help! I am so excited to make this scarf! thank you:)
Hi Lilbabyluz – Great question. You are not working in the round for this project, you will turn the work after every row. So when you finish casting on, you will have one end of the circular needle in your right hand. Switch that needle to your left hand, use your right hand to grab the other needle, and begin knitting. I sincerely hope that helps to clarify! Please let me know if I can answer more questions. Thank you! -Gina
What kind of cast on do you recommend?
Hi Jayme,
Great question! A long tail cast on is great for the wrap. Click here to see our tutorial! And thanks for getting in touch!
– Gina
reading the instructions and then trying the pattern – If I k2 at the start and end of the Purl rows (odd numbered rows) and p2 at the start of the Knit rows (even numbered rows) I don’t see how I can get a 2 stitch stockinette border on the knit side – I get a reverse stockinette border on the stockinette side and a stockinette border on the stockinette side.
am I not seeing something in the instructions?
Hi Donna,
Thanks for your question! You should have a reverse stockinette edge on the knit side, and a stockinette edge on the purl side of the scarf. I hope that helps to clarify! Please let me know if I can help with any other questions. -Gina
I am learning to knit *right now* so that I can make this wrap. I am simply in love! Am I nuts? Is this a suitable beginner project? It was this or socks….and I figured this seemed much more straightforward!
Hi Amy-
This is a bit advanced for a very first project but I’ve known a lot of knitters who start out with something more challenging like this and make it work! And it’s definitely a simpler choice than socks! I would recommend that you have some practice yarn at the ready to try out some of the skills before you do them on your nice yarn.
Thanks for getting in touch and good luck!
Molly
What are the washing instructions for this wrap or this type of yarn? I didn’t see them listed in the shop for the yarn. This is a lovely wrap, and I’d love to make it…but I have kids! So it has to be able to be cleaned easily.
Hi Amy! Great question! I washed the wrap before it was photographed. This is how I did it:
Fill a bucket or your sink with luke warm water. While the water is running, add a spoonful of mild detergent (like soak, or the tiniest bit of natural laundry detergent, I use Method detergent cause it smells great). Turn the water off. Completely submerge the wrap. Now leave the wrap to soak for 15 minutes. Don’t agitate it at all, be very gentle and let the detergent do the work. Lift the wrap out of the water, drain the bucket and fill with clean water. Gently rinse the wrap in the clean water. Lift the wrap out of the water again and squeeze out the excess moisture (no not wring the wrap like a towel, just squeeze in your hands). Remove even more moisture by wrapping it in a towel and squeezing or pressing on it. Lay the wrap out flat on a towel or a drying rack to dry. This yarn dries very quickly! I hope that helps! Let me know if I can help with any more questions. – Gina
Hi!
This looks like it will be a wonderful wrap! I saw that you suggested the super soft merino wool for someone who was allergic to alpaca. Will the pattern require the same number of skeins with this yarn, or should I buy a fourth one?
Hi Makeda-
You will need 4 skeins of Super Soft Merino for this wrap since there is less yardage in each skein.
Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks so much for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi all,
I love this pattern. I thought I posted, but must have messed up something. Anyway, I only have 270-ish yards of a super bulky weight yarn in my stash. I saw the comment above about casting on 111 for 200 yards. What would you recommend for my amount of yarn? I would like to maximize it. Would casting on 123 work?
Your input would be very helpful.
Thank you!
Kim
Hi Kim, Thanks for writing in! 123 sounds like a great number. I’d say, go for it! I hope that helps! All my best, Gina
Aloha,
Just finishing this beautiful piece and love it. Just wondering if you have recommendations on weaving in the ends and keeping the ‘loose’ alpaca inside the silk ‘sleeve’ from coming out?
Thanks for your help and gorgeous work!
Mahalo,
Ashley
Aloha Ashley! Great question. When I wove in my ends, I followed this tutorial: and used the duplicate stitch method. Then at the very end, before unthreading the needle and cutting the end, I buried the end by inserting the needle in through the center of the yarn on a near by stitch. I hope that makes sense, it’s a little difficult to describe. Basically you want the end of the yarn to be buried inside the tube of the yarn near by. Thanks for writing in and please don’t hesitate to ask if I can clarify more! – Gina
I’d love further clarification on this question of how to weave in ends! Is there a link to a tutorial missing from your comment above, Gina? I’ve finished knitting the main part of this wrap, and while I was knitting, I unfortunately followed my usual method of joining new balls of yarn — overlapping the old yarn and the new yarn for a few stitches, then dropping the old yarn, and later weaving in both loose ends in a garter stitch pattern — but the overlaps are really obvious and don’t look right. I’d really appreciate some further info on how to weave in ends more subtly!
Thank you,
Kelly
Hi Kelly-
We have a tutorial all about weaving in ends that you can see here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/07/14/weaving-in-your-ends/
Hopefully this helps! Please let us know if you have any more questions.
Best-
Molly
My mother and I both made this wrap, but hers came out 68″ x 19″, mine came out 72″ x 23″. Both with the gauge of 2st per 1in. We’re wondering how much this yarn will grow. Measurements are all before the attached i-cord.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for writing in with your question! The yarn does not grow a lot, even with a long soak. You could probably stretch it a little bit, but I think the best solution, if you’re not happy with the size, would be to reknit on larger needles. I hope that helps! All my best,
Gina
I just finished the Moonstone wrap using your gorgeous Silk Alpaca Alloy yarn. I used US 17 needles and cast on 135 stitches but finished the wrap with just 2 skeins
I’ll need to go up to US19 to get the length I guess.
Hi Catherine, Thanks so much for writing in. I think you are exactly right, you’ll need to go up to a #19 needle to get the correct length. Good luck and if I can help with anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask! – Gina
I would love to see a pattern like this for us crocheters.
Hi Purl,
How clever to add an attached I-cord for a finish. Thank you for this lovely pattern.
Hi there! Did you block this at all? Thank you so much!
Hi Abigail,
Thanks for writing in with your question! I did block the wrap gently before it was photographed. Another reader asked how I blocked the wrap, here is what I wrote:
Fill a bucket or your sink with luke warm water. While the water is running, add a spoonful of mild detergent (like soak, or the tiniest bit of natural laundry detergent, I use Method detergent because it smells great). Turn the water off. Completely submerge the wrap. Now leave the wrap to soak for 15 minutes. Don’t agitate it at all, be very gentle and let the detergent do the work. Lift the wrap out of the water, drain the bucket and fill with clean water. Gently rinse the wrap in the clean water. Lift the wrap out of the water again and squeeze out the excess moisture (no not wring the wrap like a towel, just squeeze in your hands). Remove even more moisture by wrapping it in a towel and squeezing or pressing on it. Lay the wrap out flat on a towel or a drying rack to dry. This yarn dries very quickly! I hope that helps! Let me know if I can help with any more questions. – Gina
This is a beautiful scarf. Do you have a finished one that I can purchase ?
Thank you!
Hi Adelina,
Thanks for your kind words! We don’t currently offer a ready-made Moonstone Wrap, but if you email store at purlsoho dot com, perhaps someone would be interested in making one for you. Have a great evening! – Gina
Hi there,
I love this wrap and could not wait to make it but now that it is done, I am unable to attach an i-cord. I have no experience with this and no matter how many times I read and try to follow your i-cord instructions, I still don’t get it! Did you use the provisional cast on for i-cord? There seem to be different ways to do this. Please help me. Thank you.
Hi Celine! Sorry to hear you’re having trouble working the attached i-cord! I did not do a provisional cast on for the i-cord, rather, I picked up 3 stitches from the point of the scarf and then continued from there. Please let me know if this advice helps you, we can continue to troubleshoot together if you’re still confused. Thanks so much for writing in! – Gina
I, too, have finished the wrap and am ready to begin the Attached I-cord edge. I know how to knit an I-cord, I have read the Attached I-cord tutorial on this site, but I’m uncertain about your directions above to pick up 3 stitches from the point of the scarf. Would you mind a further explanation on that process? Thank you so much!
Hi Barbara! That’s great that you’ve finished the wrap! In working the Attached I-cord, you’ll simply cast 3 stitches onto a double pointed needle to start. Then, with the knit side of the wrap facing you, you will begin at the right end of the cast on edge. (I’m thinking maybe you read this as “cast off” edge and therefore thought you’d be picking up from the point of the scarf? But you’ll be starting at the right end of the bottom edge) You’ll then work a 3-stitch Attached I-cord along the entire cast on edge, and when you reach the left end, you’ll cut the yarn and thread it through the three I-cord stitches, pulling firmly to finish. Let us know if you have any further questions — would be glad to help — good luck and thanks for writing!
Hi I’ve just finished the scarf and it looks great. But can not work out how to do the Icord can you send me a video of how to do it. I’m totally loss have never done one before and it’s frustrating me.
Varsha
Hello Varsha!
Unfortunately we don’t have a video created just yet for this technique, but take a look at our tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/09/29/i-cord/
The key is to slide the stitches across the double pointed needle so that the working yarn spans the stitches you just knit. Let us know how it goes! Thanks! -Alyson
Love the look of this! Thinking of making it with my stash of Rowan Fazed Tweed. Not such a bulky yarn, but it does have a similar hazey-layer-over-inner-cord look. It requires smaller sized needles so my version would be a smaller size. What do you think?
Hi Nettie-
The basic principles of this pattern would still work in any gauge, but yes, you will get something smaller if you use a yarn with a smaller gauge. It could be very cute in a smaller size though!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Thanks for this pattern. How many stitches would I need to cast on to obtain the same size with a yarn suggesting US 11 needles? Thanks!
Hi Rose, You’re very welcome! Thanks so much for writing in! The number of stitches cast on will depend on the gauge you are getting. With size 11 needles I would guess a gauge around 10 stitches to 4 inches. If that is your gauge, you would cast on 175 stitches. If your gauge is different, let me know and I can tweak the numbers accordingly. Kind regards and happy knitting! – Gina
do you have a hat pattern that uses this yarn that would coordinate with the wrap? Thanks!
Hi Sarah, thank you for writing! You can make the Snow Day hat from this yarn, though it’s not an exact match to the wrap. This yarn can be used in place of Super Soft Merino in any pattern calling for that yarn. Let me know if you like any of these suggestions! Happy knitting! -Gina
I love this wrap! I’d like to make it in the Merino Script (love the variegation!) with a size 11 needle. How many skeins do you think I’ll need, and how should I adjust the number of stitches I cast on?
Thanks!
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for your kind words! I would cast on 151 stitches with Merino Script. You’ll need 4 skeins to make the wrap. All my best, Gina
I love this! I’d like to make it in the Merino Script, using a size 11 needle. How many skeins do you think I’d need, and how should I adjust the number of stitches cast on? How about if I knit with two strands of the Merino Script? Would that require the same number of stitches?
Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for writing in!
If you use two strands of Merino Script, you can follow the pattern exactly as written for the Silk Alpaca Alloy. If you want to use 1 strand of Merino Script with size 11 needles, cast on 151 stitches. You’ll need 4 skeins either way. Happy knitting! -Gina
How many skiers of the super soft merino would I need to make this cowl?
Hi Kate-
You would need four skeins of the Super Soft Merino.
Thanks for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
I am a fairly new knitter and i am trying to finish this lovely wrap I used the supersoft merino in fig with #17 needles. I don’t understand and can’t visualize the i band part. Is this just for the last 5 stitches to finish or is this a boarder for the whole piece? Do i use the same size needle or smaller? thanks
Hi Lauren, Thanks for your question! The attached i-cord only finishes off the cast on edge and prevents it from curling. The two other sides are already finished by the roll edge, so you only need to add the attached i-cord to the top edge. You don’t need to use a smaller needle, but it’s easier to work the i-cord with a double pointed needle, if you have one. I hope this helps to clarify! Please let me know if you have more questions! -Gina
The yarn is lovely and I’ve wnjoyed knitting with it, but with this pattern I’ve been disappointed to find the point curls upward as well as the top edge curling to the point the whole scarf turns into a tube. After spending all the time and money I have on this project I’m pretty underwhelmed with the results.
Hi Grace-
Thanks for getting in touch! Any problems with curling should be resolved by blocking the finished piece! Here is a link to our blocking tutorial! https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/11/13/blocking/
I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
I just finished this wrap and I love it. I would love to make another scarf out to this yarn as it is so beautiful. Any other patterns you would recommend that would work well with this yarn?
Hi Caryn-
We’re so happy to hear that you like this yarn and this project!
This yarn is about the same gauge as our Super Soft Merino so it should work for the projects in our Super Soft Merino gallery: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/purl-soho-yarn-projects-knit/super-soft-merino-projects-knit/
Thanks so much for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
I recently completed the Moonstone Wrap. Although my gauge is the same as called for, I ran out of yarn for the attached icord bottom edge just 8 inches from the final edge! I really do not want to purchase another skein to complete such a short distance. Do you have any other suggestions other than ripping out the entire project and buying a larger needle? Are you sure the guage is correct and three skeins will do it?
Hi Carol! We’re so sorry to hear you ran out of yarn! One of my colleagues will be in touch with you soon, so please keep an eye out for the email. They’ll help you get this sorted out. Thanks for writing us! -Gina
Thanks so much for helping to get my problem resolved. Everything got sorted out Thanks for being so responsive.
I crochet a lot but have never knitted. This scarf is absolutely beautiful and I would like to try it. Would this pattern be too difficult for a beginner? Thanks
Hi Janet – Thanks for writing us. I would say this is about an intermediate beginner pattern. You should know how to knit, purl, ssk and k2tog, and attached i-cord. We have tutorials to help you out with these techniques if you feel frustrated! Also, don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you might have while you’re knitting. I’ll definitely try my best to help you out! Good luck, and happy knitting! -Gina
Please describe the colors of pale stone and sea salt more. They look very similar.
Hi Carol! You’re right, these two colors do look very similar, especially on a computer monitor! In person, though, Pale Stone has a greenish tint to it, kind of like a slightly green khaki, but still very light in color. The Sea Salt has more of a red or pinkish cast to it, kind of like pink Himalayan salt (do a google image search if you don’t know what I’m talking about. It’s beautiful!) Thanks for writing us! -Gina
I just started knitting and wonder if this is a realistic pattern for a beginner to try? Looks not too hard but I don’t want to attempt something too difficult and struggle with it…
Hi Sharyn! Thanks for writing us. I would say this is about an intermediate beginner pattern. You should know how to knit, purl, ssk and k2tog, and attached i-cord. We have tutorials to help you out with these techniques if you feel frustrated! Also, don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you might have while you’re knitting. I’ll definitely try my best to help you out! Good luck, and happy knitting! -Gina
Hi Ladies, I’m up to the second row and I’m wondering what ssk means ?
Any advice would be helpful.
Many thanks, Julie.
Hi Julie,
Thanks so much for writing us with your question!
Please see our ssk tutorial for complete instructions, and there’s even a video! Please let me know if I can help with any other questions. -Gina
Hi Purl Bee people,
I have handled this yarn in your store and am intrigued by it – would love to knit up this pattern with the silk alpaca alloy but have a different colourway in mind.
Would this yarn take dye or is it just too delicate to risk it?
Thanks,
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for writing us! I dyed this yarn and the results were great. I boiled it in the dye, but I was very gentle with the yarn, and it came out fine. The only difference after dyeing is the wool compressed a little bit. This might change your gauge, so I would make sure to order extra yarn for your project.
Let me know how that sounds, or if I can help with anything else. -Gina
If I wanted to make this for a child how many should I cast on? Thank you!
Hello TomiLee,
The ‘wingspan’ of this pattern is 75″, and its intended to wrap around your neck at least once. Usually the minimum length of a scarf should be the same as your height. This wrap is supposed to be slightly oversized, so I would recommend adding about 10″ to your child’s height and then multiplying by 2 (since the gauge is 2 sts/inch) to determine your cast on number.
Hope this helps and happy knitting! -Alyson
Can you please tell me the best way to join the yarn?
Thank you!
Hello Hillary,
Are you referring to when you need to start a new ball of yarn during the pattern? If so, we recommend you leave at least about 4″ of a tail of the new ball of yarn and the old one, begin to knit with the new yarn and continue throughout the pattern. Once you’re done you’ll need to secure the ends by weaving them in. Here’s our tutorial on weaving in ends: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/07/14/weaving-in-your-ends/
Best of luck! -Alyson
I love this wrap! I wonder if using a thick and thin would work for this particular project?
Hello Diana!
Since this pattern is fairly simple in construction, it would look great with a little texture in the yarn! I would definitely recommend you give it a shot with a thick and thin yarn. It would add a touch of whimsy! Happy knitting! -Alyson
I just finished this wrap as a Xmas gift for my sister! Well… Almost. I’ve never done an attached icord before. This may sound stupid, but do you make the icord first (and if so how do you know how long to make it) and attach it, or do you make it while attaching? I can’t tell from the icord instructions. Thank you!
Hello Lilo!
Not a stupid question! See our tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/01/23/attached-i-cord-tutorial/
Its much easier to attach it as you go along! Please write in again if you have any questions about the tutorial. Thanks! -Alyson
This tutorial really helped me understand how to make an attached icord!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGpPgxdFqoE&list=WL
Thanks for sharing your tips, Diana! -Alyson
I have knit two of these and love the finished wrap. I am about to start another one and was wondering if you think using the I-cord cast on instead of attaching the I-cord at the end would be suitable?
Hello Elizabeth!
While I’m not familiar with this cast on personally, I researched some various tutorials with a quick Google search and it seems like an amazing option for this shawl! Best of luck and let us know how it turns out! Happy knitting!
-Alyson
Hi,
Could you tell me what yarn would be best to use to make this now the silk it was originally made out of is practically out of stock.
Thank you so much,!
Ailie
Hello Ailie!
While our Silk Alpaca Alloy has been discontinued, you would be able to use our new yarn, Gentle Giant, to create a slightly larger version of this wrap, but equally as beautiful! Take a look at that yarn here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl-soho-goods/purl-soho-yarn/gentle-giant.html
Best of luck! -Alyson
what is an I cord? I am not sure where on the pattern this would be and what it does. thank you!
Hello, Karen!
Thank you so much for your great question! An i-cord is basically a knit tube. For this pattern we used the i-cord to make a beautiful finished edge. We’ve got a great tutorial here for making an attached i-cord, https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/01/23/attached-i-cord-tutorial/.
You can also see an example of an i-cord edge here (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/11/30/whits-knits-eleventh-hour-blanket/) if that is helpful.
Thanks again for writing in! Happy knitting.
Best,
Kumeko
thank you! this should help!
I’m looking for the impossible: a beautiful scarf that can knit up pretty quickly to give as a Christmas gift. I’m about an intermediate knitter, though it’s been a while so I’d have to look up tutorials again. Do you think this one goes fairly fast or do you have another suggestion? Thank you for your advice!
Hi, Francesca!
Your search is not impossible! The Moonstore wrap definately fills your desire for beauty and speed. It’s knit with a bulky yarn and you can totally do the pattern since you’re an intermediate knitter (a novice can do it!). Another great quick knit is the Eleventh Hour Scarf https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/12/19/whits-knits-the-eleventh-hour-scarf/. And I also recommend Joelle’s books Last-Minute Knitted Gifts (https://www.purlsoho.com/purl-soho-goods/purl-soho-favorites/last-minute-knitted-gifts.html) and my personal favorite More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts (https://www.purlsoho.com/books/more-last-minute-knitted-gifts.html). The projects in these books are organized by the length of time it takes to complete each piece!
i love this! will you be restocking this yarn in other colourways?
Hi, Holly!
Thank you for your question! Unfortunately, we only carry the Silk Alpaca Alloy in the Heirloom White, Ballet Pink and Artemisia Green. What colorways would you be interested in seeing? We are always open suggestions! Again, thank you for writing in!
Best,
Kumeko
i love the colour shown here, the oyster grey! the ballet pink is lovely, too. thank you 🙂
I need help adjusting the amount of stitches to the yarn I’m using… I’m terrible at math. The gauge is 13 1/2 stitches per 4 inches. Can you figure that out possibly? Thanks!
Hi, MB!
Thank you for writing in! I recommend a cast on of about 235 stitches.
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
I am knitting this with a thinner yarn so I wondered how many I should cast on with this yarn?
Hi, MB!
Thank you so much for writing in! Do you happen know what the gauge of your yarn is? That will help us determine the cast on amount. If you don’t know, make a gauge swatch and then measure the number of stitches per inch you get. Then you will the stitches per inch and multiply that by 70 (since the long side is 70-inches). For example if you get 3 stitches to the inch you would do 3 x 70 = 210 cast on stitches.
If you have further questions please let us know!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
The gauge is 13 st=4 inches Thank you in advance for your help!
My phone didn’t show that whole reply- Ok. I can figure out the Math myself then. Thx!
I love this yarn! Do you have any other pattern suggestions for it?
Thanks,
Rose
Hello, Rose!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! You can substitute the Alloy in most patterns that call for a bulky yarn. I think this yarn would look great in these patterns:
Mountain Capelet
Mountain CowlGiant Twisted Rib Hat
If you have further questions please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I was wondering how to decrease stitches? I have never done it before, but I really want to try this wrap.
Hi Campbell,
In this pattern, we use two different types of decreases. We use a ssk (slip slip knit) and a k2tog (knit 2 together). Fortunately, we have video tutorials for both of these decreases.
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/slip-slip-knit-ssk/
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/knit-two-together-k2tog/
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello Purl Bee 🙂
I’m about 30 rows into this delightful project and my work is curling from the bottom up. I’ve not had this problem with stockinette stitch before, it usually curls the other way. I’m using DK sheeps wool on 4.5mm needles. I’m knitting and knitting and it’s not getting any longer. Hehe. I don’t think blocking will be of much help in this case.
Perhaps you have some advice.
Thanks very much,
Megan
Hi Megan,
I am so sorry to hear that you are having difficulties! The yarn that we used for this wrap is quite bulky and has a bit of weight to it that prevents the stockinette from rolling. Traditionally, stockinette, unaided by a border, will roll up and while this is a nice may create a nice effect for the bottom of a sweater or a hat, it may cause some issues here. And you would be correct in assuming that blocking would not alter this rolling effect.
I would suggest that after casting on, knit 4-6 rows of just knitting to create a border that will prevent the stockinette from rolling up and then continue on with the pattern as written. Alternately, we do have a shawl pattern written for DK weight yarn, the Dovetail Scarf, that should work without alteration.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you so much, Cassy!
I ripped and started again with the border you suggested and it’s now finished and fabulous!
Legendary.
Thanks again,
Megan
Does this pattern come close to using up all the yarn if the gauge is correct? I don’t mind casting on a few more stitches in the beginning to make sure I use up all the yarn 🙂
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for the question! Our version of the Moonstone Wrap used roughly 300 of the 327 yards called for. The remaining yardage is not quite enough to add to the initial cast on and not run out in the end which would be so sad!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi,
I wanted to know if it was possible to make this with the super soft marino you sell on the website, as it comes in lots of additional colors. Any help you can give would be appreciated.
Hello, Courtney!
Thank you for writing in! You can definitely substitute our Super Soft Merino in this project, however, the Super Soft Merino has a different gauge than the Silk Alpaca Alloy so, you’ll need to modify the amount of cast on stitches. To determine this we recommend making a gauge swatch. Then measure the number of stitches per inch you get. Then you will take the stitches per inch and multiply that by 70 (since the long side is 70-inches). For example if you get 3 stitches to the inch you would do 3 x 70 = 210 cast on stitches.
Again, thank you for writing in and please let us know if you have further questions.
Best,
Kumeko
Hello Purl Soho,
I would really like to do this project. I noted that you only have one color available for the Silk Alpaca Alloy. Can you recommend an alternative yarn? Thanks!
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for writing in! sadly, Silk Alpaca Alloy is discontinued. However, you can certainly use an alternate yarn! Our Gentle Giant would work well here! To complete this lovely shawl, you will need 7 skeins of Gentle Giant and you can follow the directions as written!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I get 3.5-3 3/4 inches per 8 stitches when I check my gauge. I don’t like how loose the fabric looks if I go up a needle size. Should I cast on extra stitches to get the 70 inch length (and if so, how many)? I bought extra yarn, so I’m not worried about running out. Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for writing in! I think you should be fine with the gauge you are getting. A shawl doesn’t have to be spot on for gauge. However, if you are adamant about the cast on length being as the patter, you should add on a few more stitches. Thanks!
-Adam
Could an I-cord cast on be used at the start rather than going back and picking up the stitches and doing and attached I-cord?
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for the comment. This is a great idea. You can use an i-cord cast on and do an i-cord edging to keep everything consistent and seamless. Good luck!
-Adam
Hi!
I was wondering how many stitches I should cast on if I am using the same weighted yarn but size 15 needles?
Thank you!
Hi Kendall,
Thanks for writing in! Good question! The answer to your question is very dependent on the gauge that you are getting. To get the measurements for that we get here, we have a gauge of 8 stitches = 4 inch in stockinette stitch. I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch to see what gauge you are getting as well as whether or not you like the feel and drape of the fabric that you are getting with the smaller needles. Once you know your gauge, you will multiply the number of stitches per inch by 70 inches. This pattern will work over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 7. So if your gauge is 3 stitches per inch, 3×70=210. The closest number that works with this is 211 stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
What cast on method works best for this?
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for writing in! Unless otherwise noted, we like to use the long tail cast on. We think that it makes a neat and flexible cast on edge!
Best,
Cassy
hello hello…on the raverly website u mentioned trying it with stitch decrease every other row to make it an optional stroller blanket…
i would like to do this…
but as i read the pattern both rows decrease..
can y please write how the pattern would look ?
THANK YOU
Hi Francine,
Thanks for writing in! I can’t seem to find the comment on Ravelry that you are referring to. As you cast on along the long edge here and decrease each row, decreasing would not result in a blanket. You could cast on the number of stitches required and knit the following 2 rows:
Row 1: K2, purl to last 2 stitches, k2.
Row 2: P2, knit to last 2 stitches, p2.
You will repeat these rows until you get the size blanket that you like. Then bind off all stitches. You will then work the attached i-cord around all sides.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Gina, how many yards of Gentle Giant (or any bulky yarn) are necessary for this? I was trying to click the link to the silk alpaca to get a sense of yardage but the link is gone so wasn’t sure how many skeins of gentle giant are necessary? Thank you.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for writing in! We used roughly 300-325 yards of Silk Alpaca Alloy!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I am using the silk alpaca alloy and had to go to larger needle size of 19 but I am still getting 4.5 to 5 stitches per 2 inches, I don’t want the wrap to be too big. I want to use a scarf not a shawl, any suggestions?
Hi Debra,
Thanks for writing in! Based on the gauge that you are currently getting, your wrap would be smaller than our sample here. It would be about 57 inches along the long side. You can try going up to a US 35 to get gauge but I suspect that your gauge would be off in the other direction as it is such a much bigger needle. You can certainly add some more stitches to your cast on to get the length you are looking for. Just be sure that you have an odd number of stitches. Additionally, it should be noted that for our sample, we used most of the yarn so if you have 3 skeins, adding more stitches may leave you a bit shy.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
This looks beautiful. Was looking for something for those cold flights back to mainland. Alpaca is a bit too warm, any suggestions for a slightly less warm cowl.
I live in Hawaii, so it would only be used on trips.
Hi Annette,
Thanks for writing in and for the kind words! Most super bulky yarns would work for this pattern. I would suggest looking at our Gentle Giant or Lanecardate Feltro as possible substitutes, or for something that still has weight but may be yet cooler, how about Blue Sky Worsted Cotton held double?
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hey there! Just wondering what weight the Silk Alpaca Alloy would be. Trying to find a substitute yarn
Hi Beth,
Thanks for writing in! Silk Alpaca Alloy was on the heavier end of the super bulky range, similar to Gentle Giant or Cascade Yarns Magnum. Super bulky yarns can vary quite a bit, so I would recommend looking for something that calls for a US 15-17 needle.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I only have two skeins of the silk alpaca alloy and would love to make this wrap with it. Since the silk alpaca alloy is no longer available can you suggest a modification to make it smaller so I can make it with my two skeins?
Hello Rose,
Thanks for reaching out! This wrap is knit from the longest edge and then decreases on both ends to create a triangle.
To make this wrap smaller you will just need to cast on less stitches and go from there. I would recommend casting on 92 stitches for a width of 46″.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi,
From beginning to end, how long do you think this project will take? I only have size 13 needles at home today, and afraid those won’t work. So, I’m in the “11th hour” situation and hoping I can finish this quickly.
Thank you,
Jodi
Hi Jodi,
Thanks for reaching out! The amount of time it takes to knit something varies greatly from person to person and depends on a lot of your level of comfort and speed with the techniques used. This is a fairly straightforward pattern on large needles so it shouldn’t take too long, but I can’t really estimate how long exactly! If you are using smaller needles, I would recommend knitting a small gauge swatch before beginning to make sure the knitted fabric won’t be too tight or stiff. Best of luck, and I hope your project is finished in time!
Best,
Julianna
I finally started to make this up from silk alpaca alloy I bought a long time ago. I have run out! Can you suggest something I can use to make the attached I-cord? Thanks!
Hi Rose,
Oh dear, I am so sorry about that! I would suggest using either Gentle Giant or Manos del Uruguay Franca for the i-cord. A brightly colored edge should look quite beautiful against the muted colors of Silk Alpaca Alloy!
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Hello! Would this wrap work with Woolly Wool? If so, how many skeins would you recommend? Thanks so much and happy holidays.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for reaching out. I think this pattern would work very nicely with Wooly Wool, but I’d recommend knitting up a gauge swatch to make sure you’re using the right needles for it! You would need 4 skeins. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Thanks for the quick reply, Lili!
I love shawls, am curious about this one but like others I am always disappointed with photos that simply seem to be ‘artsy’. A schematic only shows outlines, a photo shows what I want to see. Please understand asking for a laid out picture isn’t answered with a line drawing. You offer photos so, please, in all patterns offer a flat photo, not just the line drawing.
Hi Harriet,
I completely understand your desire to see a laid-out photo of each pattern! This pattern in particular is quite old, published way back when we didn’t have as fully developed a photography team as we do now. In our more recent patterns though, we always make sure to include a flat photo (in addition to many more photos as well)!
All the best,
Lili