Elementary Wrap In Simply Camel
A yarn like Simply Camel doesn’t come along every day, so when it does, we like to give it some room to be its unadulterated self! One hundred percent undyed baby camel, Simply Camel is so absolutely soft and luscious, all that is required is stockinette stitch and lots of it… Enter the Elementary Wrap!
A great swath of knit 1 row, purl 1 row, with a tidy edge detail, our Elementary Wrap In Simple Camel is remarkably simple but stunningly beautiful. It drapes and swings; it’s voluminous and elegant, soft and cuddly.
You’ll need four skeins for a 10-inch wide scarf or seven for the 18-inch wrap shown here. Either way, cast on for this soothingly simple, simply gorgeous knit!
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 + connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoElementaryWrap, and #PurlSohoSimplyCamel. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 4 (7) skeins of Purl Soho’s Simply Camel, 100% undyed baby camel. Each skein is 164 yards/ 50 grams; approximately 656 (1,148) yards required.
- US 3 (3.25 mm) straight or 24-inch circular needles
Gauge
26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Size
Scarf (Wrap)
Finished Dimensions: 10 (18) inches wide x 68 inches long
Sample: We knit the Wrap size.
Pattern
Cast on 65 (117) 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 68 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.
Bind-off Row (right side): Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends and wet block flat.
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!
Love these patterns but would like a different color, especially for little kids – can you suggest a different yarn with color choices I could substitute? thanks….
Hi Robin,
Thanks for reaching out! We have several versions of this wrap for you to choose from, using various types of yarn (even a couple of combinations using two yarns at once!). If you’re interested, you can take a look at all our Elementary Wraps right here.
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Warmly,
Kelsey
Good morning,
I would like to make a 10-inch Elementary Scarf with a 72-74 inch length in Simply Camel. I was thinking 10-12 skeins would suffice to meet this length. Do you feel this would be enough yarn to meet this length? I would also like to make short-finger gloves to coordinate with this scarf with any yarn remaining.
Hi Jeanine,
Thanks for reaching out! For our Scarf size (10″x68″) we used 4 skeins of Simple Camel, so if you would like to extend the length to 72-74″ you would only need an additional skein or two at most! I would recommend 6 skeins to be safe but you would probably be fine with 5!
We have a matching pattern, our Timeless Hat + Hand Warmers! For the hand warmers we used 1-2 skeins depending on the size, so 7-8 skeins total should be plenty for the scarf and matching gloves!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
What can I say ,LOVE your patterns..am 75 this year and the sheer joy your knits have given me,cant say enough.xxxBIG THANKYOUX
Hello! I love the simplicity and beauty of this wrap and the yummy yarn choices. May have to knit more than one…
My question is: Can I substitute Simply Yak for this and if so, how many skeins would I need for the wider version? I love the deep brown color and it is in my palette vs the camel. Thank you!
Hi Sally,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! I think Simply Yak would be lovely in this wrap! Simply Yak (light worsted weight) is much heavier than Simply Camel (fingering weight) but luckily we have a version of this wrap already written for a dk/light worsted weight yarn, so that way you can use Simply Yak without needing to make any adjustments to the pattern! I would suggest following the original Elementary Wrap pattern, and to complete this we used approximately 925 yards of Understory (also a light worsted weight) so you will need 9 skeins of Simply Yak (109 yards per skein!)
Even though both these yarns are light worsted weights, I do recommend working a gauge swatch prior to beginning to ensure you are consistent with the pattern!
I hope this helps and please let me know how this turns out, happy knitting!
Gianna
Could you please tell me – You wrote in your reply that no adjustments would need to be made to knit the elementary scarf with the yak yarn instead of the camel yarn, but I was wondering if I would still use the same size knitting needle (US3) or would I need to use a different size knitting needle with the yak yarn. Thank you!
Hi J!
Thanks for writing in! We would suggest starting off with the same needle as the pattern to see if you get gauge. If you do and are happy with the fabric, then you can continue on with the instructions of the pattern. If you aren’t quite sure about knitting a gauge swatch, you can find an in-depth tutorial here. I hope this helps but please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Thank you for all of your beautiful patterns. They give me so many ideas.
I would also like to make this wrap in another color. I see the other colors from the link but which yarn would be the softest and not “itchy” ? Many thanks .
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! There are so many fun options available with our Elementary Wraps! For the least itchy versions, I recommend the Original Elementary Wrap in Understory, the Elementary Wrap in Spectrum Silk, or the Elemenray Wrap in Season Alpaca!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Gianna
Hi,
Could I use a soft merino wool fingering yarn in place of the camel for the Elementary Wrap?
Thanks!
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
You could absolutely use another fingering weight wool in place of the Camel for the Elementary Wrap! I’d recommend our Line Weight and following the pattern for the Elementary Wrap in Linen Quill (Linen Quill is very close in gauge to the Line Weight, so they work very well as subsitutes for one another).
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kelsey
I am a bit confused as I am new to knitting..Above you say that all that is required is stockinette stitch-one row of knit, one row of purl and so on. But in the pattern, it says row 1: K1, P1, K1 etc. Row 2: K2 P1 etc.
So which is it?
I have 7 yarns in the checkout, but want to know the answer before I purchase so please let me know.
thanks
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for writing in! While the bulk of the pattern is indeed only in stockinette stitch, there is a small border of ribbing on the edges. This border is there to keep the edges from curling in, as pure stockinette stitch tends to do. The ribbing is made up only of knit and purl stitches, which is the same as stockinette! So if you’re comfortable working the knits and purls of stockinette stitch, I can guarantee that you’ll be able to work the ribbing at the edges of the wrap. I hope this helps, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions!
All the best,
Lili
I’ve started this wrap using the longtail cast on. Having a problem with rolling. Can you suggest a different method of cast on. Thank you
I’m doing the larger version 117 sts.
Hi Linda,
I’d be happy to suggest an adjustment to the pattern to help with the edges rolling in! Unfortunately, with projects worked entirely in stockinette stitch (as the Elementary Wrap is) curling edges will always be present, no matter what cast-on method you choose; wet-blocking the finished piece will help a bit, but I’m afraid it’s just part of the nature of the stitch. However, if you want to encourage your ends to lie more flat, then I’d recommend working a 1/2″ – 1″ wide border in either garter stitch or seed stitch to break up the stockinette! That will give your finished piece a bit more structure along the ends, while still leaving the majority of the wrap in that beautiful stockinette.
Warmly,
Kelsey
Hi there,
I absolutely love this simple pattern and was looking to make it in a darker, richer color. I am, I’d say, on my way to an intermediate beginner, however I am still working on my understanding of the different yarns as well as how to picture them in the final product.
All that said, I love the look of the Barnish yarn (Myrtle Green) but am unsure how it will look with this pattern and completed. I love the look of the Simply Camel Elementary wrap the most so I guess my question is can you recommend a yarn that will give off the same look, just in a different colorway? Hope this isn’t terribly confusing!
Thank you!
Emily
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reaching out! I totally understand what you mean! Any fingering weight yarn will work for this pattern, but ultimately the look of the wrap will change based on the fiber contents of that yarn! For example, Burnish would be beautiful with this pattern but since it is a rayon yarn the finished wrap will have a nice sheen and be much more slinky and drapey! The outcome with Burnish will look more similar to our Elementary Wrap in Spectrum Silk with a bit more drape and shine! Simply Camel on the other hand is very soft and fluffy so if you want a texture more similar to that I would suggest using Posy, which is probably the most similar! Or I would suggest Line Weight, it is super soft and fluffy as well and comes in a great selection of colors, however, it is a bit thinner than Simply Camel so you may need to go down in needle size a bit. If you decide to go with Line Weight I recommend starting off by working a gauge swatch on the recommended US 3 that we use in this pattern, and see how it compares to the written gauge. From there you can determine if you need to make any changes! I also recommend checking out our wonderful 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!
Gianna
I’m working on simply camel version of elementary wrap. 2 questions:
1. Can I slip first stitch of each row? If so, as if to knit or purl? I don’t want to interfere with pretty edge as shown on pattern ?
2. How can I print a pattern as pdf ? The free pattern is lengthy and includes yarn purchase choices, pics, etc?
Thanks for help
Hi Linda,
Thanks for writing in! The pattern doesn’t mention slipping the first stitch, so I would suggest going with what’s written. The edge shown in the sample photos is created by how each row begins, so it’s all worked into the pattern!
And to print our patterns, if you’re on a desktop version of the site, there is a “print” icon on the right side of the page just below the “Save To Favorites” button. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Click on this button, and a window will pop up where you can delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to save to the PDF. When you hover over any image or a text block, it will be highlighted in yellow and a “trash” icon will appear. Just click on this icon to delete anything that’s not necessary to the pattern! For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. Then, click on the “PDF” button in the upper left-hand corner of the pop-up window. Once the PDF downloads, just click on the green “Download Your PDF” button and you will be able to print that!
I hope this helps! Have a great day!
All the best,
Cat
Hi,
I am small and short and an older woman. I would like to make this wrap, but shorter. Should I also make it narrower? If you could suggest how many
skeins I need and how many to cast on I would be grateful.
Thank you.
Marion
Hi Marion,
Thanks for reaching out. The great thing about this pattern is that it’s very easy to modify! If you want to make it narrower, you’ll just need to change how many stitches you cast on. To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in stockinette stitch. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width that you would like and cast on the nearest whole number. Then, you can just follow the pattern until the wrap is as long as you like!
I’m afraid it’s difficult for me to let you know how many skeins you’ll need unless I know the exact dimensions you’re planning on knitting it to though. But once you decide on those, here’s how you’d figure out how many skeins to buy: First, multiply your intended length and width together. Then multiply that by 1148 (the yardage for the wrap size), and then divide the resulting number by 1224 (the area of the wrap size). This new number will be the specific yardage for your dimensions. Finally, divide that number by 164 (the yardage of 1 skein of Simply Camel), and round the resulting number up. That’s how many skeins you’ll need to buy!
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
hi
I am a beginner knitter-saw this simple wrap,but I live in Fl. and would like a suggestion for light wt.version to wear on cool nights. I don’t want sheen or fluffy.
Thanks
BBB
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for reaching out. The Elementary Wrap is a wonderful pattern because it can be knit with any yarn, since it’s essentially just a large stockinette rectangle! I’d recommend using yarn made from plant fiber, since that will create a lightweight fabric perfect for Florida weather. Here are a few that would work:
Buttercup Cotton (https://www.purlsoho.com/buttercup-cotton.html): fingering weight, 100% cotton
Santolina (https://www.purlsoho.com/santolina.html): fingering weight, blend of cotton, linen, and hemp
Cotton Pure (https://www.purlsoho.com/cotton-pure.html): sportweight, 100% cotton
The only thing you’ll need to consider when working with an alternate yarn for the Elementary Wrap is adjusting your cast-on number to make sure the wrap comes out to the correct dimensions! To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width that you would like and cast on the nearest whole number. Then, you can follow the pattern as written!
I hope this helps you to plan your project.
All the best,
Lili
Hi there,
Can you tell me if Simply Camel is absolutely not itchy? My neck is the first to detect the slightest itch!
Thanks!
Hi Kristen,
Thanks for reaching out. Simply Camel is an extremely soft yarn! While everyone feels textures differently, we haven’t experienced any itching with this yarn since the fibers are so fine. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hello – I purchased two sets of Cashmere Ombré Wrap Kit Gift List Gallery from you. But I prefer this pattern. If I wanted to make the wrap about 36″ wide, do I have enough yarn to make this sufficiently long as a wrap? And I purchased this needle: Addi Turbo Rocket Circular Needles, Needle Size: US 3 (3.25 mm)
Needle Length: 40 inch; do I need a different size/length? I like a long wrap. thoughts? thanks.
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for reaching out. Since you have 2 kits on hand, you’ll have enough yarn to make a wrap that’s approximately 36 by 76 inches! And that needle will work perfectly, since it’s definitely long enough to hold 36 inches of stitches at a time. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Thanks; can you tell me how many stitches to cast on to make it that dimension?
Hi Lynn,
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width that you would like (36 inches) and cast on the closest whole number. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you for you response. So to make it 36″ wide, how many stitches do i cast on? Your pattern says 117 for the 18″ wide, so do I cast on double that to make it 36″ wide? Thanks.
Hi Lynn,
I would not recommend casting on double the amount of stitches, since you’re working with a yarn that’s a different weight from Simply Camel. To get the best results, I highly recommend knitting a gauge swatch first, and then calculating your cast-on amount from that point! Just multiply the amount of stitches you’re getting in 1 inch by 36, and that’s how many stitches you’ll need to cast on.
All the best,
Lili
Hello ~ I’m using Linen Quill for this and while the color is lovely and the feel is soft and delicate the edges are curling substantially. Will they flatten out after it’s blocked? The pics look so different from mine, edge-wise. I’m not a beginning knitter but my experience has been limited to basic hats and some scarves so it’s hard for me to tell if the ends will uncurl even with the small amount of ribbing built into the pattern.
thanks, Rose
Hi Rose,
Thanks for reaching out. Linen Quill responds very well to wet blocking, and it has a great drape due to the alpaca fiber content! While there still may be a little bit of curling after blocking, it will reduce it significantly. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hello…..I started with this pattern with the Simply Camel. Love this pattern it is an easy knit for a beginning knitter like myself. I am having a problem with knitting with such a fine yarn. Also, I purchased your metal circular needles and the yarn seem to slip off easily.
I thought about trying bamboo needles maybe they would be easier to work with. Any suggestions?…….Thank you, Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for reaching out, although I’m sorry to hear that your stitches are falling off your needles! I would definitely recommend trying bamboo needles, as they have a bit more grip than metal needles. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you Lili I will try that!
I could not turn this down. Love the color and the pattern. I will need to finish all my pot holders first. Lol