Elementary Wrap In Mineral Silk + Tussock
Our Elementary Wrap In Mineral Silk + Tussock falls at the intersection of everyday and extraordinary. A simple swath of fabric in a very special combination of yarns, it is for posh parties as much as it’s for slogging to work with a secret pep in your step!
Making its debut here is our new Mineral Silk, a laceweight silk with a touch of something like starlight, subtle enough for everyday knitting, but pretty enough to catch the eye.
We paired Mineral Silk with its textural opposite, our hazy mohair-silk Tussock. Together they’re the life of the party, with a beautiful drape, a soft halo of mohair, and a gentle sparkle.
An Elementary Wrap is one of our favorite ways to give yarn freedom. A field of pure knitting, this simple knit allows the language of fiber to speak for itself, and we love to listen!
To get started, chose any combination of colors. Shown below in six palettes, one for each color of Mineral Silk, ranging from shimmery Peach Gold to volumes-deep Starry Night. Here we used Almond Ice with Heirloom White Tussock for an oaty blend full of surprises!
Designed for Purl Soho by Laura Ferguson.
Materials
To knit your own Elementary Wrap in Mineral Silk + Tussock, you will need…
- Yarn A: 3 skeins of Purl Soho’s Mineral Silk, 75% silk and 25% synthetic sparkle. Each skein is 394 yards; approximately 1,182 yards required.
- Yarn B: 4 skeins of Purl Soho’s Tussock, 60% super fine kid mohair and 40% silk. Each skein is 328 yards; approximately 1,228 yards required.
Shown in six pretty palettes, they are…
Almond Ice + Heirloom White
Shown above and the palette we used to knit our sample…
Yarn A: Mineral Silk in Almond Ice; Yarn B: Tussock in Heirloom White
Mica Gray + Silver Needle
Yarn A: Mineral Silk in Mica Gray; Yarn B: Tussock in Silver Needle
Peach Gold + Tea Rose
Yarn A: Mineral Silk in Peach Gold; Yarn B: Tussock in Tea Rose
Crystal Pink + Apple Blossom
Yarn A: Mineral Silk in Crystal Pink; Yarn B: Tussock in Apple Blossom
Opal Blue + Bright Verdigris
Yarn A: Mineral Silk in Opal Blue; Yarn B: Tussock in Bright Verdigris
Starry Night + Blue Fjord
Yarn A: Mineral Silk in Starry Night; Yarn B: Tussock in Blue Fjord
You will also need…
- US 2 circular or straight needles
Gauge
28 stitches and 38 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, holding a strand of Yarns A and B together
Size
Finished Dimensions: 16 inches wide x 70 inches long
Pattern
NOTE: We followed our original Elementary Wrap pattern but with a few tiny changes. Here is exactly what to do for this Mineral Silk and Tussock version…
Holding one strand of Yarn A and one strand of Yarn B together, cast on 112 stitches.
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 70 inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
Bind-off Row (right side): Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends and wet block flat.
PRINT
Good Afternoon to you all
First I thank you for sharing your beautiful Patterns with us.
I have a a few questions, if I may.
First, I am wondering how best to Save your Free Patterns so that we can follow the instructions on our computers?
At present I am using Windows 7 Professional 64B.
Since they are not pdf patterns I have tried saving your Patterns in my Documents in a separate folder. However, when I open the Folder, I only see jpg’ photos, but No Instructions for your patterns?
Yes, I am a Member of Ravelry and have always have loved seeing your beautiful Patterns, there. And have now Joined
your Group as well.
Being that I live in Vancouver BC Canada, most of our LYS don’t carry your glorious yarns, so we need to find alternative yarns, which is unfortunate. And that isn’t easy to do. I know we can Order your beautiful Yarns Online, but with the Currency Exchange along with Shipping and Border Fees, it adds up rather quickly.
At present, I wish to try knitting your Original Elementary Wrap.
It appears your Original Elementary Wrap is a tad smaller with 90 stitches and less amount of yarn? So can be worn as a large Scarf?
Whereas, your newest version, is just a little larger with 112 stitches and requires more yarn? And it may be worn more so as an actual Wrap?
I apologize for being long winded, but not sure where to inquire about these couple of questions.
I thank you ever so much for sharing all your spectacular Knitted Patterns with us all. So appreciated.
I always look forwarded to receiving your beautiful Newsletters.
So Thank you again for all your sharing and allowing us all to Dream, that one day, we’ll master one or more of your ‘magnificent knitting patterns.’
With warmest regards
Wishing you many Happy Knitting Days!
Sandra Balla
Hello Sandra,
Thank you for reaching out and for your questions! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
I hope this works for you and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Would the traditional elementary wrap pattern work with this bundle?
Hello Stephanie,
Thank you for reaching out! Yes, we followed our original Elementary Wrap pattern but with a few tiny changes. Here is exactly what to do for this Mineral Silk and Tussock version. The changes are listed above.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I would like to knit the new elementary wrap with the mineral silk in the dark blue however was thinking of using line weight rather than tussock. Would that work and if so what colour would you recommend? Thanks melva
Hi Melva,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, I think that Line Weight and Mineral Linen would be a delightful combination! Line Weight doesn’t have the fluffy halo that Tussock has, but it is still wonderfully soft. It is also a bit thicker than Tussock, but for a simple wrap like our Elementary Wrap, I don’t think that will be a problem at all. I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch to make sure the knitted fabric is still light and airy and adjusting your needle size and cast on if necessary. I would pair Mineral Linen in Starry Night with Line Weight in either Night Blue or Blue Jeans.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi – I’m wondering if Tussock sheds? Since it’s fine mohair was wondering if wearing this wrap (I plan to knit it for my mother for christmas) will shed on her wool coat! It’s either this scarf with Tussock or the Mineral Wrap with the bamboo yarn. Thank you!
Hi Julie,
Great question! 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!
Best,
Julianna
Thank you so much for the fast reply!
Hello!
I love all these takes on the Elementary Wrap! I saw the suggestion to substitute Line Weight for the Tussock (I can’t wear mohair, either), but I’m wondering … would Burnish work as well? I think the yarns look beautiful together in the Mineral Wrap, but I’m a stockinette girl. I am guessing the resulting fabric drape would be completely different — what do you think? Thank you!
Hi Elena,
Great question! Burnish has fantastic fluid drape and blocks out flat very well, so it would be really wonderful in our Elementary Wrap, either on its own or held together with Mineral Silk! The wrap will have a weightier feel, but will be just lovely to wear. You may want to follow the gauge and instructions for the Posy + Tussock version, as that will be closest to the weight of Burnish and Mineral Silk held together.
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
What’s the best way to join yarns in this pattern?
Hi Olga,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend joining new yarn by simply knitting the next stitch with the new yarn, as we show in our Adding a Ball of Yarn tutorial. This does leave a small hole, but you can easily close it up when you weave in your ends!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
What length of US size 2 needles should I use?
Hi Tanya,
Thanks for writing in! You could use either a 24″ or 32″ circular needle for this wrap, whichever length you prefer!
Best,
Julianna
How can I make this wider?
Hi Caroline,
Great question! Because this wrap is knit in simple stockinette, stitch, you can easily multiply the gauge of 7 stitches per inch by however many inches wide you would like the wrap to be and cast on!
Best,
Julianna
Hi,
I purchased the Tussock for a different project but was not happy working with it alone (just too delicate and hard to work with). I’m thinking this combo may be a better fit (I hope!). I have the Tussock in Cloud Blue. I’m thinking the Opal Blue may make a nice combination? And I’m hoping the double strand may be easier to work with? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, I think Tussock in Cloud Blue and Mineral Silk in Opal Blue would look lovely together! Adding a strand of Mineral Silk will make it a bit easier to knit since the doubled strand will be thicker, but Mineral Silk is quite slippery and can be tricky on its own as well. You might also be interested in our Elementary Wrap in Posy + Tussock! Posy is very easy to work with, so this could be a more relaxing knit for you! If you decide to go with Posy, I would recommend either Drizzle Gray or Lilac Mist.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you!! I will explore these options.
I did buy the mineral silk – it’s just too gorgeous not to! One final question – how big of an impact would knitting on 3s instead of 2s make? (Wee bit easier on the hands). Reduce stitches by 7? I don’t want to change final fabric too much. Just curious. Thank you!!
Hi Donna,
Mineral Silk is indeed irresistibly beautiful – I’m sure you will love it even more in person! I think using a US 3 would be fine, but I would knit a small gauge swatch to make sure you will still be happy with the fabric, as it will turn out slightly gauzier or more sheer. As long as you are happy with it, you can also use your swatch to measure your stitches per inch, then multiply that number by 16 inches to determine how many stitches to cast on.
Best,
Julianna
I have Shibui yarn silk cloud (3 skeins, 330 yards each) and birch (4 skeins, 262 yards each). I would like to make the elementary wrap in mineral silk and tussock. Would this work? What size needles would I need and should I follow the pattern exactly?
Hi Sheila,
Thank you for writing in! It sounds like the yarns you mentioned will work just fine, although you may find the needle size and gauge of our Elementary Wrap in Posy + Tussock to be a better fit. As you have just under 1000 yards of Silk Cloud, I recommend casting on a smaller number of stitches to suit your yardage – 84 stitches should be just right for a 14″ wide scarf. I hope this helps!
Best,
Gaby
I have been eyeing this for some time–it is the perfect answer for winter days in N. Fla. I love the new Clover Quartz color in the Mineral Silk. What color of Tussock would you pair with that?
Hi Gail,
Thanks for writing in! Clover Quartz is my favorite of the new Mineral Silk colors, too! I think it would be absolutely gorgeous with Pale Orchid for this wrap.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
A few weeks ago You featured a double knit baby blanket kit in orange I think. For practical reasons I would like to find out if the yarn can be machine washed.
Thanks.
Hi Laila,
Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you are thinking of our Double Knit Blanket in Mulberry Merino and Good Wool. These yarns cannot be machine washed, but you could make a lovely easy-care version using either Cotton Pure or Posy!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi there, I’m making this wrap for my aunt. It is gorgeous and I love it. My only question is that since the pattern is stockinette, the bottom rolls up for a good inch. I know that is the nature of stockinette but in the photo on the website it does not roll at all. Was there a trick that I should have done to avoid rolling? Thanks!
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for writing in, and I’m glad to hear your wrap turned out beautifully! If you haven’t already, we strongly recommend wet blocking this wrap. That should make your edges lay quite flat!
Best,
Julianna
I didn’t wet block. Thanks for letting me know. I will do that! Thank you.
Hi
I bought this bundle in the mulberry/claret and excited to start knitting! I have one question: I’m a small person 5 ft. and don’t have a long neck. I’d like to adjust the width and length so it’s not overpowering me. What width and length would you suggest?
Thank you!
Anjali
Hi Anjali,
Great question! The fabric created by this combination of yarns is quite lightweight and delicate, but you could certainly make it a bit smaller! I wouldn’t recommend going too much narrower, since the width of the wrap helps ensure the stockinette stitch lays flat, but you could cast on 105 stitches for a 15-inch wide wrap. The wearer’s height is usually a good guide for how long to make a scarf or wrap, so in your case, you could shorten it to about 60 inches!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I really want to make this! I am curious about another potential color combination though. I was considering making it with the Golden Dune color of Mineral Silk and the Heirloom White of Tussock. The Almond Ice color is beautiful, but seems to be a bit more of a champagne rather then a true gold. Would you agree? It’s always so hard to judge color over computer screens. Also, I think like to make it a bit wider and longer, more like 20”x72”. Can you tell me how many skeins of each I would need to make that? Thank you!!!
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reaching out! I think that sounds like a lovely color combination! Golden Dune is one of our newer colors of Mineral Silk, and it is much more of a true pale gold in person which should pair beautifully with Heirloom White. For your wider and slightly longer wrap, you will need four skeins of Mineral Silk and five skeins of Tussock.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your response! Order placed! I can’t wait =)
Hi,
I have 7 skeins (246 yds each) Shibui Reed 100% linen fingering yarn in bone. Do you think I could pair it with the Golden Dune Mineral Silk? I want the final size to be 20”x70”. I live in south Texas so linen is a better year round yarn for me instead of mohair.
Thank you,
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
Thanks for reaching out! I think you could pair that yarn with Mineral Silk and it would be a beautiful combination! We used approximately 1,182 yards for this wrap so you should have plenty of yarn! I would recommend working up a gauge swatch with the 2 yarns together to see how they compare to the gauge we used in the pattern and if you will need to make any adjustments!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi! If I were going to pair the Tussock with a DK weight yarn for a 20”x70” wrap, how much yarn of each would I need and what size needle do you recommend? Thank you!
Hi Victoria,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend a US size 5-7 needle and approximately 4 skeins of each yarn!
All the best,
Gianna
Hello! I am a “beginner”, beginner. Can you please tell me how to “wet” block. Should I have this done by a professional?
Also, will the yarn have a musty smell, as wool does when it gets wet?
Thank you for any help/advice
Gail
Hi Gail,
Thanks for reaching out! Please check out our Blocking tutorial, this is a very easy technique (that is totally optional) but will help you get an even and flat result from your knitting and is something you can easily do yourself at home! When the yarn is wet it will have a bit of a natural wool smell but once it dried the smell should go away, especially if you add something like our Sweater Soap into the blocking process!
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello,
Thank you for this pattern. I am trying to decide which color combination to order — golden dune/golden lichen or clover quartz/alpine phlox.
Could you tell me if the wrap knitted with the 2 golden colors is very sparkly? I would like to try it for something a little different, but don’t want it to be too shiny or sparkly.
Thanks!
Hi Irene,
Thanks for reaching out! Wow! Both of those combinations would be absolutely striking! The Mineral Silk is pretty shiny and sparkly in its own but adding in the Tussock reduces the overall shine due to the beautiful matte halo you get with the mohair! I am a huge purple fan so personally I would choose Clover Quartz and Alpine Phlox, I think it would be a very unique combination but the golden combo is also beautiful and would be equally stunning!
Please let us know which you decide on and how it turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi,
If using “STRAIGHT” US2 needles what length should I get ?
Being a beginner, I don’t know if it would be the same as for the circular needles length.
Probably obvious, but not to me. ha
Thx for your help.
Hi Gail,
Thanks for reaching out! Since you are casting on 112 I would recommend using longer straight needles to insure you have enough space on the needles! We sell CRYSTAL PALACE Straight Bamboo Knitting Needles and they come in 2 sizes, 9″ and 12″ so I would suggest the 12″!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi,
I’m interested in making this – could you tell me if the silk/tussock combo is lightweight enough for a summer/warmer weather scarf? If it will be too warm, could you suggest another yarn combo or pattern that would be ideal for a scarf for summer evenings or air-conditioning?
Many thanks!
Hi Joy,
Thanks for reaching out! This wrap is beautiful but the Mohair in our Tussock can be surprisingly warm! This would be a great option for more transitional seasons like spring! For a summer wrap I would recommend our Elementary Wrap In Spectrum Silk! Our Spectrum Silk is beautiful and perfect for summer and warmer weather! You could even add a strand of Mineral Silk into this wrap for a bit of dimension and shine!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi Gianna,
Thanks for the advice. What about the Cattail Silk? Would that work as well as your other silks for a summer wrap and be as interesting since this is a very basic pattern?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Joy,
No problem, I am happy to help! Cattail Silk would be another great option! I would especially pair Cattail Silk and Mineral Silk together for extra special combination!
I hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello,
Thank you for your patience with me, I’m still so new to this. When holding two strands together, is it important that they keep somewhat separated, as I have seen some people wear the yarn “separator” on their finger. I imagine that the strands will get twisted together at some point. Is that okay? Also would you recommend the circular needles over straight for newbies?
Hi Gail,
Thanks for reaching out! For this project in particular, you are using the two strands as one. Whenever I am making something that works holding 2 yarns doubled I recommend holding them together, not separate, to insure that they blend together well. If one of the yarns is not held as tightly as the other, which could happen if you don’t hold them together as one, you could end up with loops in your knitting. So just knit with the two together as you would if you were only working with 1 strand! It is also perfectly fine if they twist together!
I also recommend using circular needles. I find them much more comfortable to work with, straight needles can be a bit cumbersome!
I hope this helps clear things up and feel free to reach out with any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Gianna, I just had to tell you how much I appreciate your feedback; always received quickly and so, so, very helpful and super clear.
Thank you so very much for all of your time and helpfulness.
Placed my Purl Soho order for the circular needles last nite. US2, a little tiny and scary, but am so excited to begin. 😉 Gail
Hi Gail,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy that I can be os assistance! I am looking forward to hearing how this turns out, and as always please let me know if you have any more questions!
All the best,
Gianna
This is so beautiful and seemed so simple, which in reality it is, but I just do not know why it is so difficult to knit. I purchased the Addi Turbo Rockets but when combined with their slickness and slippery yarn its so hard to keep in control. Do you think I’d do better with a bamboo US2 circular? or would the mohair/silk catch and stick on the needle? Also should I be doing my best to work the size 2 needles as close to the tip as i can? Thank you in advance for your always expert advice.
Hi Gail,
Thanks for reaching out! It can be very tricky to work with such slippery fine yarns! I think that bamboo needles would help a lot and eliminate some of the slipperiness and it should’t catch or snag. I would also recommend keeping the stitches close to the tip but not too bunched up or too close that they will slip off while working.
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello
I would like to purl thaïs beautiful wrap only with the mineral silk. It is necessary to have more stitch for have the same size ?
The color it’s so beautiful I can’t resolve me to mix it. I borth the yarn in your Shop in N-Y.
Thank you very much
Anne from Switzerland
Hi Anne,
Thanks for writing in! You could certainly make this wrap with Mineral Silk only. However Mineral Silk can be a bit tricky to knit with on its own so I would recommend working a gauge swatch first to see how it feels knitting with, you can also calculate your gauge from there to determine if you need to adjust your cast on! I would recommend checking out our tutorial All About Gauge, it is an excellent resource to use!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi,
I’m wondering if Season Alpaca would be a good combination with Mineral Silk? I’m knitting it for a friend who loves Alpaca yarn. 🙂
Thanks in advance
Hi Belinda,
Thanks for reaching out! I haven’t tried combining Season Alpaca and Mineral Silk, but I think that would be an absolutely beautiful combination! I would also suggest following the Elementary Wrap in Season Alpaca pattern instead of this version, to ensure the needle size and gauge are correct for the alpaca (the addition of mineral silk should not change the gauge!)
Please let us know how this turns out, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hello!
My yarn arrived today and I am super excited to start this project! Which cast-on do you recommend for this? Do you recommend slipping the first stitch (and knitting the last) for a selvedge edge?
I really appreciate any help/tips you can offer – I’m still kind of a beginner and I don’t want to screw this beautiful project up!
Hi Jony,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend using a basic Long Tail Cast On! Also, you don’t need to slip the first stitch for the project, the pattern includes a 3 stitch selvage on either end, so I would suggest following the pattern as written: Row 1 (wrong side): K1, p1, k1 (these are the three selvage stitches) purl to last three stitches, k1, p1, k1 (three selvage stitches). Row 2 (right side): K2, p1, (again the three selvage stitches) knit to last three stitches, p1, k2 (three selvage stitches.)
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Gianna
Thank you so so much!! I really appreciate the quick reply and your help! So excited to get started 🙂