Elementary Wrap In Tussock
If you’ve ever savored the first sip of strong steaming coffee or celebrated the discovery of a twenty in an old jacket pocket, then you know that joy can be found around any corner. Our Elementary Wrap in our newest yarn, Tussock, celebrates simple surprises and uncomplicated pleasures.
Holding two strands of our mohair-silk Tussock together, this knit flies off your needles in a glowing, soft halo. We love using two different colors for a marled texture that adds depth to an otherwise super simple flat piece.
In our version, brilliant Bright Thistle glimmers through rich Ripe Boysenberry, but we also love combos like Blue Lagoon and Balsam Green, as deep as the ocean, and Orange Pekoe with Wild Guava for a reflection of fall’s beauty.
Often, simple doesn’t mean easy, but with our Elementary Wrap in Tussock you get both. For yourself or a loved one, this wrap is rich and deep, curiously luminous and absolutely beautiful!
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!
Originally designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoElementaryWrap, and #PurlSohoTussock. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Color A: 3 skeins of Purl Soho’s Tussock, 60% super fine kid mohair and 40% silk. Each skein of this fingering-weight yarn is 328 yards/ 25 grams; approximately 924 yards required. We used Bright Thistle.
- Color B: 3 skeins of Tussock; approximately 924 yards required. We used Ripe Boysenberry.
- US 6 (4 mm) straight or circular needles
And four more color combinations that we think are just as pretty!…
Color A: Pink Joy; Color B: Wild Guava
Color A: Orange Pekoe; Color B: Wild Guava
Color A: Squash Blossom; Color B: Lightning Yellow
Color A: Blue Lagoon; Color B: Balsam Green
Gauge
24 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, holding Colors A and B together
Size
Finished Dimensions: 18 inches wide x 73 inches long
Notes
Throughout this pattern you will hold two strands of Tussock together as you work. The easiest way to do this is to pull from two balls at once.
Pattern
Holding Color A and Color B together, cast on 108 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (wrong side): K1, p1, k1, purl to last three stitches, k1, p1, k1.
Row 2 (right side): K2, p1, knit to last three stitches, p1, k2.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures approximately 73 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
Bind-Off Row (right side): Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends and wet block flat.
LEARN ABOUT TUSSOCK + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
Tussock is impossible to replace! Spun and dyed in Japan, it is 60% super fine kid mohair, the softest quality there is, plus 40% silk, which is much more than most mohair-silk blends and makes for a super lustrous yarn. Technically a fine lace-weight, Tussock’s mohair blooms so beautifully that we prefer to use it as a fingering-weight yarn, either alone on US 3-6 needles or alongside other yarns for plumping up a companion or deepening its complexity. Choose from 26 gorgeous colors, inspired by juicy, ripe berries and mimosas in bloom, lapping waters and zippy wildflowers… Pure joy!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of free Tussock knitting patterns and cast on!
More Fingering-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of fingering-weight yarn
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop mohair yarn
- Shop silk yarn
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!
Would it be possible to use a larger needle
Hi Patsy,
Thanks for reaching out! Although you may want to make a few pattern modifications, I think Tussock would look beautifully ethereal and lacy on a larger needle. This will, however, probably make your gauge looser so your finished wrap will turn out wider and possibly shorter. To preserve the original dimensions of the wrap, I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch on your chosen needle size and wet blocking it before measuring your stitch gauge. You can then multiply your stitches per inch by 20 inches to get your cast on number.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi I’ve been knitting infinity wraps on a size 10 needle…..
What could I use with Tussock to make this work? I love the colors!
Would 3 strands do it? Or is there another yarn we could add to the mix? Many thanks.
Judy
Hi Judy,
Thanks for writing in! While I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch to make sure it will work for your pattern, I do think three strands of Tussock on a size 10 would create a lovely, airy, fluffy knitted fabric. It may be on the lacy side, but if you prefer a denser fabric, Tussock plays very well with others, so you could substitute a thicker yarn for the third strand, such as Cashmere Merino Bloom or Season Alpaca.
I hope that helps, and please let us know how your creation turns out!
Julianna
I promised myself to not buy any more yarn until 2019. Ha! This is too beautiful to pass up! Thanks Purl Soho:-)
I’m the same. I said no more till next year! Then I saw this and knew I had to knit is for my mother-in-law for Xmas (she’s an amazing knitter and I know she’ll love it). Colour and yarn is so beautiful I couldn’t resist. 🙂
Deenie….I feel your pain! But…this is so beautiful! I have enough yarn to open my own shop, but…..
It doesn’t count if it’s a gift 😉
Your yarns appear to be so very sumptuous, attractive & the very best of handicraft flair. I do wish you would branch out into ye olde British Isles or at least make your wares available through a reputable source…
Hi Ursula,
Thank you so much for the kind words! Our lovely Tussock is only available through Purl Soho. The good news is that we ship internationally! Details about international shipping can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/shipping/
Best,
Julianna
This looks beautiful! If I wish to use the color ‘Bright Verdigris’ to make this wrap, what other color can you recommend to pair it up with?
HI Manushi,
Great question! I think that Bright Verdigris would look fantastic withe Blue Lagoon or Balsam Green!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
How would this look with Alpine Phlox & Bright Thistle held together?
Is it possible for you to post a photo of that combo, please?
Thanks so much!
Hi Lynne,
Thanks for writing in! I think that this would make a lovely color combination! It would be quite bright an happy! Unfortunately, we have not knit up these two colors together so we are not able to post an image. We appreciate the request and will keep it in mind!
Best,
Cassy
Do you ship or mail to Stamford, CT? What is the charge? What is the tax?
Thanks! Louise
Hi Louise,
Great question! We ship world wide! Within the USA, shipping is $9.95 for standard shipping and if your order is over $110, it ships for free! More information on shipping can be found here! As to tax, we have business locations in New York and California, so you will be charged sales tax if your package is shipping to those states.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’m with Denise! If I decided to treat myself how would you think Green Balsam and Blue Fjord would look together? Too dark, or muddy, or rich? Also, if I wanted to make wider, say 22” and keep the length, do you think I would only need one skein more of each?
Thanks,
Caela
Hi Caela,
Great questions! I like the combination of Green Balsam and Blue Fjord. It will be quite dark but I think that the colors compliment each other nicely. Both also go quite well with Gray Quartz; also a dark option but quite lovely as well. I also think that 1 addtional skein of each color would get you to 22 inches across just fine!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I have been coveting your ombre cashmere wrap for a very long time. Would it be possible to replicate the color change by using 6 skeins of Tussock in related colors, possibly blending colors together for a while as you switch yarns? Could you give me a suggestion for how to do that?
Thanks so much,
Barbara
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for reaching out! This sounds like a beautiful idea. Though you won’t be able to replicate our Ombre Kit, because each kit is custom to create the perfect ombre, you can certainly create something equally as beautiful. This just means that you couldn’t really do a one color Ombre, but rather a warm ombre or a cool ombre. I would do either all the blue/greens or all the reds/oranges. Perhaps the following;
-Silver Needle + Bright Verdigris
-Bright Verdigris+Blue Lagoon
-Blue Lagoon+ Balsam Green
-Balsam Green + Blue Fjord
-Blue Fjord + Gray Quartz
I hope this is helpful and let us know how this exciting project goes!
Warmly,
Marilla
Wow! Can’t wait to get started on this wrap with your new yarn! However, I want my wrap to be a more neutral, subtle color. Love both the Balsam Green and Ripe Boysenberry, and wonder if you think either of them would pair well with either Silver Needle or Gray Quartz — or if you have any other suggestions for color pairs. Thanks as always for your advice!
Hi Norma,
Thanks for writing in! I think that Ripe Boysenberry and Gray Quartz as well as Balsam Green and Gray Quartz would be a lovely, if subtle combination; quite elegant! Both would also be quite nice with Silver Needle but the color contrast would be a lot greater.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I would love to buy this yarn – could you suggest other color combo’s? I’m having trouble deciding without a swatch to choose from! Wondering about the silver and gray or maybe other combos that are a bit more neutral or calming?
Hi Susan,
Thanks for reaching out! I love the combination of Silver Needles and Gray Quartz! I think this is such a lovely neutral combination. Silver Needle and Heirloom White would also make a lovely white neutral!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hello,
Beautiful, beautiful colors!. Is it possible to see other color combos?. I’m having trouble making up my mind!
Hi Ruth,
Thanks so much for the kind words! While we don’t have photos of any other combinations, it is hard to go wrong when all the colors of Tussock complement each other so well! You can browse through the comment section to see the colors other customers have come up with, or if there is a particular color you would like to work around, I’d be happy to suggest a few pairings.
Best,
Julianna
Is there a similar crochet pattern? This looks like a lovely pattern.
Hi Nicole,
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! If you would like to take a stab at it yourself, I would suggest trying a swatch in double crochets using an H or I hook. Once you are happy with the fabric, you can multiply your stitches per inch by 18 and add 3 to get your starting chain amount. I would also recommend purchasing one extra skein of each color, since crochet takes about a third more yarn than knitting.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
My favorite color tends to be in the cobalt and indigo range of blues. With that in mind, what do you think of the color combination of Blue Lagoon and Blue Fjord? Would it wind up being too dark?
I’ve never knitted with Mohair, not knowing much about it, and was wondering if it’s itchy worn next to the skin? Also, would it be warm enough for a winter in Buffalo, New York?
The model is wearing the scarf much like a shawl.. If this is worn like a typical neckscarf , maybe doubled up with the ends going through the loop, would it be too wide? Thanks!
Hi Joanne,
Great questions! First, I think Blue Lagoon and Blue Fjord would be a very attractive combination – the two colors should create a nice marled look, and Blue Lagoon will add lots of bright little pops that will keep it from being too dark overall. Like any animal fiber, if you have an allergy or sensitivity to mohair or goats, Tussock would aggravate that sensitivity, but most people find it to be a lovely soft and fluffy fiber – in fact, I know several people with wool sensitivities who have no problem with mohair, since it comes from a different animal.
Our Elementary Wrap is rather wide, but also capable of squishing up quite small since Tussock is such a lightweight yarn. Since you are looking for an extra warm scarf, this may be a good way to wear it, since the fabric is somewhat airy, but folding or wrapping it up tightly will create a lot of density to help keep your neck toasty warm!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I love this new yarn but have recently knit several garments that shed so badly that I couldn’t wear them. Have you noticed that your Tussock yarn sheds. Many thanks
Hi Lorraine,
Thanks for reaching out! While all mohair does shed a little bit when it is first knitted, after blocking and the first few wears, it settles down considerably and shouldn’t shed in the future. You may also notice some shedding while winding the yarn, but I hope it is reassuring to hear that our store samples in Tussock are holding up great without any noticeable shedding!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi,?
Would this yarn be suitable weight for a throw? Might need to widen the cast on. Could you advise and help so I can order the yarn while the sale is available.
Thanks,
Brenda?
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for reaching out, and I apologize for the delay! Tussock held double creates a lofty, airy fabric that, despite the fluffy appearance, is really quite thin when scrunched up, so while it doesn’t have the hearty weight that you usually expect from a knitted throw, I think it would be a lovely accent piece!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
How can I make this wrap narrower! I would prefer to make a scarf rather than a wrap?
Hi CJ,
Thanks for reaching out! You can cast on any number of stitches for this wrap, so as long as you are working at our stitch gauge of 24 stitches to 4 inches, you can multiply your desired width in inches by 6 to find your ideal cast on.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I know this sounds like a weird combo but what do you think of rich boysenberry and Anjou pear together?
Hi Barb,
Thanks for writing in! I actually don’t think that color combination sounds odd at all! Both Anjou Pear and Rich Boysenberry share warm undertones, so I think they would go together wonderfully.
Best,
Julianna
just curious on your thoughts of Alpine Phlox with Siver Needle
Hi Cathay,
Thanks for reaching out, and what a pretty color combination that would be! I think Silver Needle would add a subtle, muted tone to Alpine Phlox that would turn out gorgeous.
Happy knitting, and please let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Love, love, love the Anjou Pear color. What color would you recommend it be pared with? Thanks for your help!
Hi Kathy,
Thanks so much for reaching out and for the kind words! I think Anjou Pear would be lovely with either Wild Guava or Squash Blossom for a warm, autumnal wrap!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Love these colors, but I am in color paralysis and need help.
Which would recommend?
Pink Joy with Alpine Phlox or Pink Joy with Bright Thistle. As you may guess I do love pink!
Thanks.
Hi Sheri,
Thanks for writing in! As I am a fan of purple myself, I would lean towards pairing Pink Joy with Alpine Phlox – the contrast between the two colors will add a bit more of a marled appearance to the wrap. However, I think either color combination would turn out just beautiful!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Can’t wait to try this pattern… Ordered heirloom white and lagoon blue.
Question : I like the slipped stitch edging, just wonder how that would fit in the pattern (I slip the first stitch of every row to achieve it, love the way it finishes a garment)
Hi Carmen,
Thanks so much for writing in and for the kind words! You could certainly add a slipped stitch edging to this wrap if you wish! To do so, you could slip the first stitch of each row before beginning the ribbed border, work the pattern as written to the last four stitches, work the other ribbed border, and knit the last stitch of each row.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Much appreciated!
Is it possible to remove the images and just print the pattern?
I do not see any notification on the pattern print page to see whether this is possible.
Hi MB,
Thanks for reaching out! You can definitely remove any or all of the pictures when printing the pattern! Once you have reached the print page, if you are on a desktop computer, you can click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%. You can also click on any image or portion of the pattern to remove it from the printable version.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
How many yards in each skein?
Hi Nila,
Thanks for reaching out! Each skein of Tussock is 328 yards. I hope that helps!
Best,
Julianna
This pattern is great. I have knitted some for my female family for Christmas gifts for this year.
I bought your boysenberry & thistle mix.
Can’t wait to start knitting. I hate blocking & find when the edge curls very annoying. Can I add more of the edge stitches will that guarantee the edges won’t curl? I love your store, yarns & inspired patterns.
Thank you so much. You should see my stack of Lantern dish towels I’ve knitted for Xmas gifts. Monique.
Hi Monique,
Wow, well done finishing so many presents so far ahead of time – I hope the recipients know how lucky they are! Although blocking does really encourage the edges to straighten out, if you prefer not to, I would suggest substituting an edge stitch that lays flat, such as seed or garter stitch, and increasing the width of the border to 5 or 7 stitches. Even so, it is not uncommon for the border to flip to the wrong side when working a narrow border on stockinette, so you may find that a light spray or steam blocking will make all the difference!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thank you so much! Starting it now. ♥️
Hi – just wondering if I could knit this using a seed stitch rather than a garter. If so, how many stitches should I cast on. Thanks so much!
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for writing in! This wrap would turn out lovely knitted all in seed stitch! However, since the gauge will differ from stockinette, I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in seed stitch to determine your stitches per inch. You can then multiply your stitches per inch by 18 and round to the nearest odd number to get your cast on amount.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thanks for the very prompt reply! I’ll give it a go.
Hi, I just got my yarn and can’t wait to start. Can you recommend the best cast on and bind off for the tussock yarn and elementary wrap? Thanks, Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! We used a Long Tail Cast On for our sample, but a Cable Cast On would also be suitable. For all of our patterns, including this one, we use a standard bind off unless otherwise noted in the pattern.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thanks for the information. The yarn is so beautiful, I wanted to make sure the edges looks as good as they should! Nancy
Help! I am having such trouble with this yarn. I’ve tried it on both aluminum and bamboo needles and it seems to split and I end up either dropping stitches or adding them. Any inside tips?
Hi Mat,
Thanks for reaching out! Mohair can be a bit of a challenge to work with, but one unusual trick that may help is to put your project in the freezer for a few minutes before you work on it! The cold will keep the mohair from sticking to itself, which definitely helps if you need to take out any stitches and might also make it easier to work with while knitting. Otherwise, there aren’t really any other tricks to making it more successful, other than slowing down and really keeping an eye on your knitting.
Best of luck, and please let us know if this helps at all!
Julianna
HA! I never would have thought of putting it in the freezer. Thank you, I’ll try it. (And I guess it goes without saying that I probably should try knitting with mohair in the summertime.)
I missed out purchasing Tussock in Thistle and am wondering if the colors Silver needle and Blue Fjord would be a good color combination. Please advise. This yarn is so beautiful! Thanks!
Hi Brynn,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for writing in! Silver Needle and Blue Fjord are a high contrast combination, but I think the marled effect would be striking, especially in silver and blue. It’s hard to go wrong when all the colors of Tussock are so beautiful and go together so well!
Happy knitting, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
I have been trying to print the Elementary Tussock wrap pattern but your PDF icon does not allow me to print. Has it been disabled? Or am I doing something wrong!
Hi JD,
Thanks for reaching out! Although we’re not aware of any problems on our end with the print function on our site, some ad and pop-up blockers may interfere with the print and PDF interface showing up. If you are still having problems after disabling any ad blockers, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] so we can troubleshoot this for you!
Best,
Julianna
hi, i would love to make this wrap and love the colors you’ve shown. I’m slightly allergic to mohair however. Is there another type of yarn that will still be soft and warm 🙂 but that isn’t mohair that you could recommend?
thanks!
Hello Phyllis,
Thank you for reaching out! We have another version of this wrap in our Linen Quill that is Linen, Alpaca, and Wool. It would be a beautiful alternative. Another option would be to knit this up in Jade Sapphire’s 2 ply Cashmere which would be incredibly soft and would give you halo.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi
I purchased 3 skins each bright thistle and tussock
I wood like a 3rd skins in cashmere merino or season alpaca
What color would you suggest ?
Thank you carol
Hello Carol,
Thanks for reaching out! I think that either Peony Pink or Lavender Moon could be nice with bright thistle. If you wanted to go high contrast the Stillwater Blue would make the bright thistle dramatically pop out.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Would it work to use tussock and understory held together on a larger needle to add some color dimension and texture in a heavier wrap? Or would you not recommend using these two yarns together?
Hi Elena,
Great question! Since Tussock is so fine, you can hold it along with just about any weight yarn to add a soft halo and a bit of extra shimmer to your project. I do think Understory and Tussock would be lovely together! I would follow the instructions for our original Elementary Wrap, but try your gauge swatch on a US 8 to accommodate the addition of Tussock.
Happy knitting, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Thank you, Julianna! I’m looking at earth black in understory and gray quartz in tussock but it’s difficult to tell on the screen if earth black has more of a brown tint? What do you think of this combo? Or blue fjord in tussock and blue bayou in understory?
Hi Elena,
Black Earth does have a bit of a black/brown hue, but it’s quite dark and subtle, even when holding it against a black fabric. Combining Tussock with a thicker yarn is very forgiving, so Black Earth and Gray Quartz would still look great together, even though they’re not exactly the same! The same goes for Blue Fjord and Blue Bayou – Blue Fjord is a bit darker, but not enough to notice in the finished wrap.
Best,
Julianna
Would love suggestions for Blue Fjord & complimentary colors
Thank you. Can’t wait to start
Hi Jeri,
Thank you so much for the kind words! I think Blue Fjord would be lovely with either Blue Lagoon, Balsam Green, or Gray Quartz!
Best,
Julianna
Is this itchy yarn? Just wondering Bout mojair
Hi and thanks for writing in! Tussock is spun from super fine mohair which is quite soft and fluffy – unless you have an allergy or sensitivity to mohair or goats, it’s not in the least bit itchy!
Best,
Julianna
Hi, whaf ply is this yarn as I cant wear Mohair and looking for something that would knit up in a similar way
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you for reaching out! Tussock is a fingering weight yarn with a gauge of 6-7 stitches per inch knit with US3-US6 needles.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Can you recommend a black wool that I could combine with Tussock for the wrap? I want to make this for someone who pretty much only wears black clothes at work. I’d like to use the bright blue Tussock as one strand and black as the other. I’d like to keep the airiness of the piece.
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for writing in! I would suggest using Brooklyn Tweed Arbor in Kettle along with Tussock for this wrap. You could also use Understory in Earth Black if you don’t mind an off-black – I find that it still goes quite well with black clothes, despite not being a true black, and it would look lovely with blue Tussock!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
What is your suggestion for adding balls of yarn when you join? Magic knot? With 40% silk… can you successfully do a spit join? Just wonder what you did! Thanks
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for reaching out! To add a new ball I would reccomend leaving a 8″ tail of your old yarn and start knitting with your new yarn, also leaving an 8″ tail. Once you have finished you will weave in your ends, securing them in the process.
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Love this pattern and yarn idea. Leaning towards lichen or pear. I wear a lot of olive, black, neutrals. Can you please suggest some pairings.
Hi Michele,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for reaching out! I think Anjou Pair would look lovely with either Tawny Dune or Beach Pebble, and Golden Lichen would look stunning with Warm Smoke!
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Hi, ready to order and can’t find a color to match Cerulean Sea. Can you help me with a couple of matches? It sounds like it crunches up enough to carry in my bag. I’d like a sophisticated combo that would look great with jeans on a night out in NYC. Also, do you have men’s socks patterns? I’m coming in next month and planning on stopping in with my partner to have him pick out his colors. Thank you!!
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for reaching out! This wrap is quite airy, so it does indeed take up very little space when finished! To go along with Cerulean Sea, I would suggest either Gray Quartz or Bright Jade, depending whether you prefer a darker or lighter overall effectg.
We do have several mens’ socks patterns to choose from! Our Toe-Up Socks, Very Long Socks, Easy Heel Colorblock Socks, Boot Socks, and Men’s Socks For Giving Away all come in larger sizes that should fit men or women with larger feet, and we would love to help you select yarns in person when you visit!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi, I’m just wondering what type of needle you recommend using with this yarn?
Hi Diana,
Great question! Most people find that using a very sharp or pointy needle helps when knitting with fine yarns, so I would suggest using Addi Turbo Rocket needles for projects with Tussock.
Best,
Julianna
I was wondering what you think of the Ripe Boysenberry with Red Cedar or Anjou Pear? Would those colors work together? I’m thinking they would give a less pink/purple and a more burgundy tone but not sure. Thanks!
Also what combo would work with Blue Fjord — not looking for a sea green combo.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, either Red Cedar or Anjou Pear would emphasize the warm tones in Ripe Boysenberry for an overall burgundy effect and look quite lovely! Although I think either color would work well, Anjou Pear would create a higher contrast combination for a more mottled effect, like our original Ripe Boysenberry and Bright Thistle wrap, while Red Cedar would blend in for a more solid colored look.
It’s hard to go wrong when mixing colors of Tussock for the Elementary Wrap, but some non-green options to go with Blue Fjord would be Gray Quartz, Warm Smoke, or Cloud Blue,
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I’m wondering if blue lagoon and cerulean sea would be a good mix. Or would it be too bright. Or bright jade and cerulean sea. what do you think?
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for reaching out! It is hard to go wrong when mixing colors of Tussock, and both of your combinations sound lovely! Although I think either color would work well, Bright Jade would create a higher contrast combination for a more mottled effect, like our original Ripe Boysenberry and Bright Thistle wrap, while Blue Lagoon would blend in for a more solid or tone on tone look.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Just received my Tussock in the Ripe Boysenberry and the Bright Thistle. So silky and decadent! A treat for myself!!! I cannot believe the gorgeous saturated colors!
Thank you,
Angela
Can you tell me what the finished length of this wrap should be before it is blocked? I’m not sure how much to knit to get the approximately 73 inch finished length.
Thanks!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for reaching out! As long as you don’t pin your wrap out to be longer in the blocking process, it will be 73″.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi! I’m looking for a color combo with golden lichen. Would tawny dune be enough of a contrast? Any other stunning recommendations you’d have to make golden lichen stand out? I read above that warm smoke was suggested – but I’m guessing that’s an older color as I’m not seeing it. Thanks!
Hi Holly,
Thanks for reaching out! Golden Lichen and Tawny Dune are fairly similar, so the effect would be subtle, but you would still have a nice tonal shading and depth in the wrap. If you would like a more marled appearance, Golden Lichen paired with Gray Quartz or Red Cedar would have more contrast!
Best,
Julianna
How long do the circular needles have to be? Measuring from tip to tip.
I own the interchangeable needles set from Lykke.
Thanks
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for reaching out! The exact length of your needles isn’t critical for this pattern because it isn’t worked in the round. I would suggest using either a 24″ or 32″ needle, measured from tip to tip, as either length will be plenty long to fit the stitches and will be comfortable to work with.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi,
Could you recommend yarn I could use to make this that does not have wool content please as I am allergic but love this look
Thanks
Karen
Hi Karen,
Thanks for reaching out! Fortunately, Tussock has no wool content at all! It is 60% super fine kid mohair, which comes from angora goats, and 40% silk. Many people who have a wool sensitivity can tolerate mohair quite well since it comes from a different animal. If you would prefer to avoid animal fibers altogether, unfortunately the fluffy halo effect of Tussock can’t really be replicated without mohair. You could use two strands of Nerimaki Cotton Slub to create a similar marled appearance and obtain the correct gauge, but it wouldn’t have quite the same texture.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
In the pictures, this wrap looks like it is knit in stockinette stitch. The pattern is knit 1, purl1 correct? Maybe I just can’t see it properly!!
Thanks,
Joanna in Vancouver Canada
Hi Joanna,
Thanks for reaching out! This wrap is knit almost entirely in stockinette stitch! There is a narrow ribbed border along each long edge to help the wrap stay flat, but otherwise it is regular stockinette.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello, is it possible to make this with just one strand of yarn?
Hi Ang,
Great question! Yes, I think it would be lovely to knit this wrap at a smaller gauge using a single strand of Tussock! I would recommend following the pattern for our Elementary Wrap in Linen Quill, which is written for a single strand of fingering weight yarn.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
The 2 color combos spectacular! Don’t see any comments about claret pink – looking to use for hummingbird pullover – liking a contrast, thinking pinks or orange – bright thistle vs pink joy? wild guava? Anjou pear and orange pekoe gorgeous but thinking would give a more tonal effect. No bad choices, just need to make a decision 😉
Hi Jen!
So many combinations to choose from! I think Claret Pink and Bright Thistle would be lovely, or Claret Pink and Wild Guava if you wanted to go more orange. I hope this helps!
Best,
Cassandra
My husband just gifted me this lovely yarn and I’m excited to begin the elementary wrap. Perhaps a silly question, but is it safe to wind this fine, gorgeous yarn on my yarn-winder? I’ve not yet used my winder and swift on such delicate yarn.
Hi Corie,
Thank you for reaching out! It should be just fine to wind your Tussock on a standard ball winder. Although it is a very fine yarn in terms of weight, the twisted silk core does lend quite a bit of strength to this yarn!
Happy knitting!
Gaby
Is it safe to use a swift and winder with Tussock or is it better to wind it by hand? Thank you!
Hi Ash,
Great question! As long as you go slowly and take care when opening up the skein, it’s perfectly fine to use a swift and winder with Tussock. That’s how we wind it at our shop and warehouse, but you can certainly wind it by hand if you prefer!
Best,
Julianna
I love this pattern. I was thinking of making one that goldish. I was thinking of the golden lichen. What do you suggest would be a good pairing color?
Hi Laura,
Thanks for writing in! I think Golden Lichen would be gorgeous with either Tawny Dune or Orange Pekoe!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
WHAT WOULD LOOK GOOD WITH EITHER CERULEAN SEA OR BLUE FJORD?
Many thanks!
Hi Jill,
Thanks for reaching out! I actually think Cerulean Sean and Blue Fjord together would create a gorgeously subtle tone-on-tone shading in this wrap! Some other options would be to combine Cerulean Sea with Bright Verdigris, or Blue Fjord with Marble Gray.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
if i wanted to make this wrap in DK weight how do I calculate how much yarn I would need? Also, would I simply follow the pattern as written just with a larger needle?
Thanks so much!
Ingrid Simmons
Hi Ingrid,
Lucky for you, we originally made the Elementary Wrap in one of our DK weight yarn, Understory. Here is a link to the Elementary Warp in Understory pattern. But to answer your question, normally, if you are following a pattern and working with a thicker yarn, you will need more yardage than the pattern states. Usually, an extra skein will be enough.
I hope this helps!
Happy knitting,
Oscar
Am just about to embark on this project. Which cast on method would you recommend ? Thank you.
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for reaching out! We use and recommend a long-tail cast on for most of our projects, but you could also use a cable cast on for this wrap if you prefer!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Would it be possible to also incorporate a strand of the Mineral Silk in this wrap, along with the two strands of Tussock, for a wee bit of shimmer? I know there’s a separate Elementary Wrap In Mineral Silk + Tussock, but that is knit on size 2 needles which is a bit daunting for me. Thank you!
Hi Anjor,
Thanks for reaching out again! Yes you can absolutely add Mineral Silk into this pattern as well!
All the best,
Gianna
Thank you for your prompt and helpful reply. Can you tell I’m a wee bit smitten with Mineral silk right now, LOL?!
Hi,
Can I replace the ripe boysenberry used here with the Brume, since you are out of this color, combining it with Tussock Bright Thistle?
Would there be any changes re needle size or instructions?
Thanks!
Hi Faye,
Thanks for reaching out! You can certainly use Brume and Tussock together! Following the pattern as written will result in a bit more dense fabric and it wont be quite as open, it will actually look more similar to our Elementary Wrap in Brume! Both of these pattern use a US 6 needle so if you like how the fabric looks in the Elementary Wrap in Brume I would recommend staying with the US 6, if you would like the fabric to be a bit more open like the Elementary Wrap in Tussock then I would suggest going up in needle size. In that case I recommend working a gauge swatch with a US 7 or 8. You can then calculate your cast on amount from there!
I hope this helps and please let us know how this turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi there!
Would using a single strand of Tussock work on size 6 needles? (I saw the Elementary Wrap pattern in Linen Quill uses size 4, but I’m trying to use the needles I’ve got.)
Thank you!
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! For this version of the Elementary Wrap we used 2 strands of Tussock on a US 6. You could certainly use a US 6 with a single strand of Tussock, just be sure to keep in mind that this will change the gauge a bit compared to using 2 strands, and result in a more open knit fabric!
I recommend working a gauge swatch on a US 6 and you can adjust your cast on from there!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
What would be a good color blue to go with Fresh water blue to make the elementary wrap in Tussock? I would like to keep it blue or something bright.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend pairing Freshwater Blue with Cerulean Sea, Partly Cloudy Blue, Deep Sea Blue for a beautiful blue combination. For a bright pop I would recommend pairing it with Bright Thistle or Bright Verdigris!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello – I have purchased 4 skeins each of Tussock Blue Fjord and Partly Cloudy Blue for an Elementary Wrap size 18” x 73”. Do I have enough yarn or do you recommend purchasing an additional skein of each? Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Hi Brynn,
Thanks for writing in! That sounds like a beautiful combination! For the warp you only need 3 skeins of each color, so you will have plenty to finish, plus a skein of each leftover!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you, Gianna. I meant to ask if I needed additional yarn for an Elementary Wrap size 28” x 73”. Oops!
Hi Brynn,
Thanks for your response! Oh, no worries! If you would like to make the wrap a bit wider to 28” x 73” I think an additional skein of each (4 skeins of each color) should be plenty!
Also in response to your other comment, no you don’t need to re-fix the dye for Tussock, this is more of a necessary procedure with hand-dyed yarns (which tussock is not!) so you are good to go!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Gianna
Hello – I’m back – per your tutorial do you recommend setting the color for Tussock before knitting? Just checking.
I am hoping to knit eight of these in all different color combinations for a group of my friends. It looks like you have a lot of new colors in Tussock, and I wondered if you could suggest some combinations for me. I really like the colors Anjou pear, cloud blue, blue fjord, cerulean blue, pink fog and alpine phlox but I’m not sure about pairings for those. I would be so grateful for any suggestions!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out! That sounds like such a fun and special gift! I would love to suggest some combinations for you!
Based on your colors, I recommend pairing Anjou Pear with Ripe Boysenberry or Tea Rose. Cloud Blue, I would pair it with Partly Cloudy Blue or Silver Needle. For Blue Fjord, I would also pair it with Partly Cloudy Blue or Blue Black. Cerulean Sea, I would pair with Blue Lagoon or possibly Bright Jade. Pink Fog I would pair with Bright Thistle or Apple Blossom. Finally, I would pair Alpine Phlox also with Bright Thistle or Pale Orchid!
A few other combinations that I love, to help you get to 8 different options are Bright Jade and Balsam Green, Bright Verdigris and Cypress Green, Lapis Lazuli and Partly Cloudy Blue, and Pink Joy and Bright Thistle!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any other questions and which combinations you end up going for!
Gianna
Thank you so much!
Good morning! Would you please recommend a color to pair with the Bright Verdigris Tussock? My daughter adores turquoise/green shades and I’d love to use the 3 skeins of Tussock in Bright Verdigris from my stash paired with another complimentary color to knit this up? I’d just love a recommendation for a tonal pairing from the creative and knowledgeable Purl Soho team. Thanks so much! Have a great day 🙂
Hi Megan,
Thanks for writing in! There are a couple of colors of Tussock that I think will pair nicely with Bright Verdigris. For an option that will give the project a lighter shade, you could consider Cloud Blue. Alternatively, if you want something that will lean more towards green, take a look at Cypress Green. I hope these suggestions give you inspiration!
All the best,
Lili
I have never knit with two strands of yarn held together before. Are there any special tricks or tips?
Thanks,
Carla
Hi Carla,
Thanks for writing in! One thing I’d definitely recommend when knitting with two strands held together is to have a way of keeping the two yarns separate enough while you knit so they don’t get twisted together. For example, you could place them in separate bowls or bags. Other than that, knitting with two strands is surprisingly similar to knitting with just one! Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Good morning –
I have Tussock in Claret Pink. I was thinking of combining it with Cattail Silk in Pale Rose. First of all, would those two yarns work together? And second, how would the Claret Pink and Pale Rose be together? Is there something else you might recommend either yarn-wise or color-wise? Thanks.
Hi Dyan,
I think that Tussock and Cattail Silk would make a lovely knit fabric together! In terms of color though, I’d recommend using Cattail Silk in Rose Madder instead of Pale Rose. This color is quite close to Tussock in Claret Pink, so it will create a more cohesive looking wrap. If you use the lighter pale Rose though, that will created a marled look, with each of the strands being much more noticeable. Either look would be interesting, so it’s up to your preference which you go with!
All the best,
Lili
I would like to pair the Tussock with another yarn in the heirloom white for a wedding shawl to be worn with the evening dress, not the bridal gown. I wanted it to be simple and yet elegant and the wedding is in October in Minnesota so I wanted a more substantial weight while maintaining the mohair fluffy halo effect. Unfortunately you no longer have some of the other dk weight yarns you paired it with which I really liked. What would you suggest I try? I really still think the Tussock alone with two strands is too thin for what I want. Thank you so much.
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! If you want to pair Tussock with a DK weight yarn, then I’d recommend either Cashmere Merino Bloom, Nigh DK, or Knitting Yarn. These yarns are all made of very warm fibers, and should give you the thickness you’re looking for!
All the best,
Lili
Hi, I don’t have blocking mats. Is there another way I can block this so the edges don’t curl in?
Hi Jenny,
I always used cardboard to block my projects before I finally bought blocking mats! If you deconstruct a cardboard box or two, you should have enough to lay out underneath the entire length of the wrap.
All the best,
Lili
Hi, I love the Elementary Wrap and wish I could split my screen so I could see more than one color at the same time! I love Alizarin Orange but am having trouble pairing it, I am looking at Anjou Pair but honestly can not tell without seeing them side by side. I need your help pairing Alizarin Orange. I want the pair to be subtle like the pairs you show.
Thank you!
Hi Alice,
Thank you so much for writing in. I think Alizarin Orange would look wonderful with Saffron Yellow! These colors together will give you the subtle contrast you are looking for with complementing hues! I hope this helps but let me know if you have any other questions.
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Hi, Gavriella
Thank you very much for your suggestion, I agree that this would be a lovely combination but before I make my final choice and buy the yarn, I am wondering what you think about Golden Lichen as a less bright option? Perhaps there is something you can see in the colors – in person and ‘paired’ that I can’t? Thanks again for your help, I do appreciate it.
Alice
Hi Alice,
That would also be a great option! I think the yellow hues are what would compliment the orange best so either option should be wonderful!
Thank you, I am tempted to order both yellows and then decide when they arrive. Isn’t this one way we grow our stashes!? 🙂
That’s exactly how! An extra skein will also make for an additional option next time around!
Hi, Gavriella
My tussock arrived on Saturday, during the wait for it to get here I wondered repeatedly how the Saffron Yellow you suggested could be subtle with the Alizarin Orange I fell in love with, OMG they are perfection together! It has been overcast here on the coast of Maine so I haven’t seen them in good, bright light but know they will glow happily together. I can’t thank you enough for your wonderful suggestion. There are reasons Purl Soho was voted “Best” by Wirecutter and you are one of them. Thank you again.
Hi, Gavriella
I want to thank you for your suggestion to pair Alizarin Orange with Saffron Yellow, they are perfect together! I wouldn’t have ‘seen’ how well they would play together in a million years but thanks to you I am making a most beautiful wrap and can hardly wait to wear it.
I am so thrilled to hear that Alice! Those colors were so wonderful! Please let us know if you ever need further assistance and we would be happy to help anytime.
I haven’t started the wrap yet, but just received my yarn in the mail today and it may be the most beautiful yarn I’ve ever seen. It’s my first order from Purl Soho, and I’m so very impressed. Can’t wait to start knitting it up!
Hi Marsha,
Thank you so much for sharing such kind words! We are thrilled to hear you will be casting on soon and please let us know if you have any questions along the way!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Hi, I just bound off my Tussock wrap and am very happy with it. I am not sure the best way to block it, if I soak it and ‘hand-press’ it, is that enough to flatten the edges? I am fine with the ends rolling but would like to minimize the edges rolling. I have blocking pads, rust-proof T-pins, and those long thin rods – I can’t remember what they are called. Any help will be very appreciated. Thank you.
Alice
Hi Alice,
Thank you for writing in! I would recommend wet blocking and using the long blocking rods being sure to pin down any corners as your wrap dries. I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Gavriella
Thank you, Gavriella
You confirmed what I thought was the best way to block this wrap, I must say I am not looking forward to threading the rods through the long edges. Slow and steady…
Alice
Hi Alice,
You definitely can block your wrap without them if you’d prefer. I think the most important part here is to pin your corners as your project dries. If you prefer to use pins instead of the rods, I would suggest just adding a pin every few inches along the longest sides of the wrap.
Hi, Gavriella
I think I will block with pins, my hesitation about using pins is wanting to avoid pulling the fabric out into little points at each pin. In my limited experience with using rods, the edge stitches that the rod passed through were stretched a bit, so, for me, both methods are potentially problematic but I think that if I work carefully the pins will be okay. My goal is to bloom the stitches and minimize the edge roll so since I am not trying to eke out more width I think I can do it without added tension. I hope this makes sense.
I will block my lovely wrap today and let you know how I did 🙂 after it dries. Thank you again, Alice
Hi, Gavriella
My Tussock wrap looks and feels great, blocking is such a wonderful step to finish a project. I pinned mine, being careful not to pull out ‘points’, this method worked very well for me, and the edges are nicely uncurled, Thank you again for your help.
Alice
We are so thrilled to hear that and thank you so much for the update Alice! I am sure many knitters will be thankful to read about your blocking experience on this pattern.
Happy making!
Gavriella
Love the Golden Lichen, but what other color to pair it with?
Thanks, Julia
Hi Julia,
Thank you for writing in! Golden Lichen would pair wonderfully with Saffron Yellow or Alizarin Orange!
Happy making,
Gavriella