Aperture Wrap
Like a pinhole camera whose little opening catches the light and makes magic, our Aperture Wrap is a wonderfully surprising knit designed to let the light shine in!
Knit up in Deep Waffle Stitch, you’ll find yourself engaged with a clever combination of right and left twists, double yarn overs, and simple decreases. It’s a fun challenge for advanced beginners and a mindful knit for more experienced knitters.
As you master the simple 8-row repeat, you’ll soon be taken with the highly dimensional and voluminous fabric emerging, a bas relief trellis back dropped by pretty lace openings.
We created this sweep of fabric with just three skeins of our Linen Quill, a beautiful blend of fine highland wool, alpaca, and linen. Choose from 31 colors to suit the season’s mood, and grab your Aperture Wrap day after day just to relish its beauty!
Designed for Purl Soho by Florence Spurling.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoAperatureWrap, and #PurlSohoLinenQuill. We can’t wait to see what you make!
MATERIALS
- 3 skeins of Purl Soho’s Linen Quill, 50% fine highland wool, 35% alpaca, and 15% linen. Each skein is 439 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 1317 yards required. We used Oatmeal Gray.
- US 4 (3.5 mm), 24-or 32-inch circular needles
GAUGE
28 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in Deep Waffle Stitch, after blocking
SIZE
Finished Dimensions: 18 inches wide x 79 inches long
NOTES
LT (LEFT TWIST)
Knit into back of second stitch on left needle, leaving stitch on needle, then knit into front of first stitch on left needle and slip the two stitches from needle together.
RT (RIGHT TWIST)
Knit into front of second stitch on left needle, leaving stitch on needle, then knit into front of first stitch on left needle and slip the two stitches from needle together.
STITCH MULTIPLE
This pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches + 2.
PATTERN
Cast on 126 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (right side): P2, *RT (see Notes), p2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2 (wrong side): K2, *p2, k2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 3: P1, *k2tog, [yarn over (yo)] twice, slip slip knit (ssk), repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 4: P2, *(k1, p1) into double yo of previous row, p2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 5: K2, *p2, LT (see Notes), repeat from * to last 4 stitches. p2, k2.
Row 6: P2, *k2, p2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 7: P1, yo, *ssk, k2tog, [yo] twice, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, ssk, k2tog, yo, p1.
Row 8: K2, *p2, (k1, p1) into double yo of previous row, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, p2, k2.
Repeat Rows 1–8 until piece measures approximately 79 inches from cast-on edge.
Repeat Row 1.
Bind off all stitches in pattern.
Weave in ends and block as desired!
I think you meant to include a link at the end of Row 3, something about tutorials for yo and ask?
Hi Peggy,
Thanks for reaching out and letting us know! We have linked the tutorials for the YO and SSK!
Best,
Cassy
I wish u would make a video showing how to do the stitches u use. I don’t know why but it’s easier for me to learn that way. Thanks for the lovely items u present.
Hi Ursula,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t have the resources at the moment to do a video tutorial of this stitch. We will keep your request in mind though for the future, and please feel free to reach out if you have any difficulties!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
What does ssk mean in a pattern?
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for writing in! SSK is an abbreviation for Slip Slip Knit, which is a decrease that leans to the left. We have included a link to the tutorial above, but you can also find it by clicking here!
Best,
Julianna
Could you please explain these instructions? ”
Link “yo” and “ssk” to tutorials” and
“(k1, p1) into double yo of previous row”
Are there any instructional videos available?
Thank you!!
Hi Sabrina,
Thanks for reaching out and letting us know! We have linked the tutorials for the YO and SSK!
Best,
Cassy
Hello Purl Soho!
I’m a bit stumped by Row4; k1p1 into the double yo…Do I knit into the first of the yo loops and purl into the second loop? I can’t wait to try this one!!
Many Thanks,
Candy
Hi Candy,
Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you have it figured out! You will knit into the first loop of the double yarn over and slide it off the needle, leaving the second loop of the double yarn over on the needle, and then purl into the second loop.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
This is gorgeous! but I’m having a hard time with the twists. Can you post a video tutorial of Deep Waffle stitch (left/right twist)?
Hello Nora,
Thank you for reaching out! Unfortunately we do not currently have a video for this stitch, but I will certainly pass along your suggestion!
Warmly,
Marilla
Will this wrap be reversible, or have a similar look on the “wrong” side?
Thanks!
Hi Mim,
Thanks for writing in! Although this stitch pattern does have a right and wrong side, the wrong side does still have an attractive texture around the yarn over openings. You can see the wrong side peeking out under a folded corner of the wrap in the second and last pictures above!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I love Linen Quill but I would be making this for someone who can’t wear wool. Do you have other yarn suggestions? Cotton, bamboo or other non-wool.
Hi Beverly,
Thanks for writing in! I think this wrap would be equally lovely in Cattail Silk, Field Linen, or Habu Bamboo XS-24 and 24B for sensitive-skin-friendly options!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
The notes for LT and RT appear to be identical. Would you verify or correct, please?
Thanks and regards,
Karen
Hi Karen,
Thanks for reaching out! The LT and RT are different. For the LT, you begin by knitting into the back of second stitch on left needle and for the RT you begin by knitting into the front of second stitch on left needle. It is a small difference but it does twist the two differently!
Best,
Cassy
This is Brilliant and Beautiful!
Do you have a crocheted pattern for this wrap? if so where could I get it thanks !
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for writing in! We do not have a crocheted version of this wrap but we will keep your request in mind for the future!
Best,
Julianna
Bonjour,
Est-il possible de consulter votre site et télécharger les patrons gratuits en français?
Et les explications de vos kits sont-elles proposées en anglais?
Merci pour vos modèles que je trouve très beaux.
Cordialement
Hello Sophie,
Thank you for this lovely comment. We do not currently have the resources to translate our patterns, but hopefully at some point in the future this will be more of a possibility. In the mean time I will certainly pass along your suggestion!
Warmly,
Marilla
Can you provide a video link illustrating RT right twist and LT left twist stitch technique. Many thanks for considering.
Hello Debby,
Thank you for this fantastic suggestion! Unfortunately we do not currently have resources to provide a video tutorial for this stitch, but I will certainly pass along your request!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
This looks beautiful and cozy! I’m wondering, how do you think this would look in a variegated yarn, as opposed to a solid colour? Thank you!
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for reaching out! While it will certainly change the look of the wrap, I think it has the potential to be really beautiful and unique. I would suggest knitting up a little swatch to make sure you like the texture before jumping in.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
This looks beautiful! Thank-you for the pattern.
Could you explain row 4?
Hello Simone,
Thank you for reaching out! Row 4 is just purl 2 then you are going to knit one into your first yarn over of your double yarn over from the previous row and purl the second, and then purl the next two stitches. You will repeat the last four stitches over and over until you get the end of your row.
I hope this helps and let us know if you continue to have any questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
If I want to make the scarf narrower, would I just decrease using the formula of a “multiple of 4 stitches + 2”? Thank you!
Hello Julie,
Thank you for writing us! Yes, the only rule is that you are casting on a multiple of 4 plus 2.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi!
I’m completely stuck on row 3. I watched the yo and ssk tutorials, but I can’t seem to figure it out. From the first purl stitch with my yarn in front, am I wrapping it around the right needle twice, then slipping and knitting the next two stitches? Or am I creating the second yarn over by wrapping the yarn around the right needle only once and having my working yarn in front when I knit the two slipped stitches?
So confused. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Annie
Hi Annie,
Thanks for reaching out! I am happy to help! Row 3 reads: P1, *k2tog, [yarn over (yo)] twice, slip slip knit (ssk), repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
So you will purl the first stitch and then knit the next 2 stitches together, which will end with your yarn at the back of the work. You will then make a yarn over and then another yarn over. That is to say that you will move your yarn under the right hand needle and then back over it to the back and then do this again, creating 2 new stitches. You will then ssk (slip, slip and knit those 2 stitches together. Then repeat from the k2tog until the last stitch.
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
For all of you asking for video tutorials- please consider checking you tube. There are abundant knitting tutorials there, and you may find exactly what you need.
Hello. If I want to use straight needles, what I do?
Thank you
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for reaching out! No modifications need to be made to knit this on straight needles. Though we knitted this lovely wrap on circular needles, we knit it flat!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Beautiful pattern and yarn. It looks so comfy! I’ve pinned! Best regards!
This is SO gorgeous! Does it use all of the three skeins of linen quill? If not, what’s the minimum yardage I’d need to make the stated size (thinking of checking my stash for possibilities). Thanks so much for all the fabulous patterns you provide – I’ll have to live to 150 to make the ones I love, they just keep getting better and better!
Hello Bonnie,
Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words! We suggest about 1,300 yards to complete this project, so it just about uses up your three skeins of Linen Quill.
Warmly,
Marilla
Hello,
I would love to stitch this scarf, already started it 2 times, but, whatever I do, I have a problem with row 7 , at the and of the row, I still have 7 stitches instead of 5 ( for : last 5 stitches, ssk, k2tog, yo, p1) What could be the problem please ??? Kind regards
Martine
Hi Martine,
Thanks for reaching out! This is a tough one – I just tried a small swatch and row 7 should work out just fine! It is hard to say what might be going wrong without seeing your work in person, but I would suggest that, while you are knitting row 7, keep in mind that each pair of SSK and K2Tog should be centered over the double yarn over from row 3, so you can hopefully catch any mistakes before you get to the end of the row.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Is there a trick to getting the edges to look so neat? I love my scarf so far, but the edge looks ragged. Will blocking help?
Hello Simone,
Thank you for reaching out and congratulations on finishing your scarf. Yes, blocking will do wonders for your scarf!
Happy blocking,
Marilla
Hi
Are we starting and ending row 1 with p2? For the swatch I seem to be ending with RT. Thank you for your help.
Hello Linda,
Thank you for reaching out! You are correct, the first two and last two stitches of row 1 are p2. You will want to be sure that your swatch is this pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches + 2.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
What a lovely pattern. I am an experienced knitter and I don’t think this is for any kind of beginner level. I enjoy the LT and RT. They are beautiful. I think you have described it well. I wish I could show others how easy it is. the k and p into the YO is very tricky however.
Please help with line 7. I am having the most difficult time with this row. When I yo after the P1 and I simply leaving the yarn in front and them SSK? I cant get the row to end with the same number of stitches I started with. Thank you !
Hello Linda,
Thank you for this question! How many stitches are you ending up with? When you ssk after your yarn over you have to bring your yarn to the back in order to knit it with you ssk. Your double yarn overs in between each ssk and k2tog replace the stitches the you have decreased. This means that for every stitch decreased with a ssk or a k2tog there is a yarn over stitch so you should start and end with the same number of stitches.
I hope this gives you a little clarity. Please let us know if you continue to have issues and we can continue to trouble shoot with you.
Warmly,
Marilla
Thank you. I think my problem is coming from the very start.. the P1, YO *SSK…..
When i look at your instructions it seems the YO should be after a purl stitch and before a knit stitch, correct? That means i should purl one, leave the yarn in front and then SSK?
Thank you for helping me!
Hi Linda,
That is correct, when you are working a yarn over after a purl stitch and before a knit stitch (or in this case, a SSK), you will leave you yarn in front after working the purl stitch, and the yarn over will be formed naturally when you work the following knit stitch!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi Marina,
I tried row 7 a few more times. I am knitting 30 rows for my swatch. I end up with 29 stitches every single time after knitting row 7. Any idea what I might be doing wrong?
Thank You Linda
Hello Linda,
Thank you for clarifying! My first thought is to ask if you are remembering to do the yarn over after your first purl stitch and before you begin your repeat? This row is unique in that it has two single yarn overs, one in the very beginning and one at the end, that are not included in your repeat. This is the only thing I can think of that would explain being off by just one stitch. I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
Warmly,
Marilla
I’m loving this pattern. Thanks for providing it. I do have a suggestion. I am knitting this wrap in 100% linen. Making the double yarn overs in rows three and seven were making the lacy holes too large and loose. I switched to doing single yarn overs and then knitting and purling into the single yarn over on the next row. This seems to give me a smoother and tighter aperture. Just a thought for anyone who’s working this pattern in yarn without much stretch.
I’m having a hard time with maintaining the correct number of stitches on each row. I seem to keep reducing total number of stitches and no matter how carefully I follow the instructions ( I’m familiar with the stitches) there’s always an adjustment on the end or beginning of rows 3, 7 and 8. Please advise.
Hello Susan,
Thank you for reaching out! When knitting this wrap I find it helpful to remember that for every yarn over there is a corresponding decrease which keeps your stitch count consistent. For row 7 specifically sometimes people don’t see that there is a yarn over before you begin your repeat. Sometimes this creates a stitch count issue for people.
I hope this helps a bit and let us know how it goes!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Thank you for this tip. I too was having trouble with row 7. But I tinked it back as you suggested, I had missed one of those solo yarn-overs. Looking forward to finishing my swatch!
For Aperture wrap, can I use Line Weight yarn? If i use cattail silk how many skein that i need?
Hi Lily,
Thanks for reaching out! You can certainly use either Line Weight or Cattail Silk for this lovely wrap! For Line Weight, you will need 3 skeins and for Cattail Silk, you would need just 2 skeins!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
So I seem to be running into an issue on row 3. I casted on 52+2 making 54 stitches total allowing 13 repeats. Yet when reaching the end of row 3, I have 5 stitches left. There is no way to then finish the repeat of *k2tog, yo x2, ssk* without either running out of stitches or taking out one of the stitches in the repeat. Where am I going wrong?
Hi Tara,
Thanks for reaching out! It actually sounds like it’s working just fine – if you read a little further in that line, after the last repeat of *k2tog, yo x2, ssk,* you will end the row with a p1, so you should have exactly 5 stitches left!
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi Purl
Love this pattern….I have 3 1/2 skeins of Burnish in Swan White
Would there be any great difference using this yarn for this pretty wrap?.,,,, Thanks..Happy Knitting 🧶
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for reaching out! Burnish would be a great option for this beautiful wrap! Burnish and Linen Quill are both fingering weight yarns so that should work just fine! However, I do always recommend working a gauge swatch prior to beginning to insure you are consistent with the pattern!
I hope this helps and please let us know how this turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thanks so much..will definitely let you know how it works out..love this pattern…and love ❤️Purl Soho!
Would this pattern work well with Jade Sapphire 2-ply cashmere?
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for reaching out! Jade Sapphire 2-Ply Cashmere is actually a lace weight yarn, which is a bit thinner than the Linen Quill we used for this wrap. I do still think it would be a lovely yarn for this pattern, but you will need to make a few adjustments for the lighter weight yarn! I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in pattern on US 2 or 3 needles, and then multiplying your stitches per inch by 18 inches and rounding to the nearest multiple of 4 plus 2 stitches to determine how many stitches to cast on.
Best of luck and I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thanks so much! I can’t wait to try this! If it works out I’ll let you know.
I’d like to revise the cast on so that I can use all 4 skeins of my Linen Quill. Can you make recommendations, please?
Hi Mary Jo,
Thanks for reaching out! Rather than making the wrap longer, since it’s already quite long, I would suggest making it wider to use up your extra Linen Quill. Casting on 158 stitches will make the wrap one quarter again as wide and use exactly four skeins!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I purchased the Linen Quill yarn to do this aperture wrap for a friend but this is my 4th try and I have ripped it out. Wondering if you could suggest another of your patterns for a wrap using this same yarn & amount? I was planning to surprise her for a birthday present in July so don’t feel I have enough time to continue to try the Aperture Wrap. I would appreciate some guidance. Thank You, Gail
Hi Gail,
Thanks for writing in, and I’m so sorry that you are having trouble with this pattern! Fortunately we love Linen Quill for wraps and scarves, so I’m happy to suggest several other patterns that should be a bit easier! Our Open Air Wrap in Linen Quill is an easy 1-row repeat lace pattern that only takes two skeins, or you might like a sold colored version of our Slanting Stripes Scarf, which would take three skeins. For the ultimate easy knitting experience, you can’t go wrong with our Elementary Wrap in Linen Quill, which also requires three skeins!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
would this pattern work in larger format for a throw blanket?
Hi Kimberly,
Thanks for writing in! I think this pattern would be beautiful as a throw blanket! Luckily this pattern is very easy to adjust for different widths, just be sure to keep in mind that this pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches + 2.
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Gianna
bellissimo punto, grazie per il pattern, molto gentile, lo salverò tra i miei pin su pinterest