Knitting Traditions 2018: Coco's Wrap

One could argue that Susanna IC has done more to bring new knitters into the world of lace knitting than almost any other designer. In fact, this has been part of Susanna's mission for a long time, as evidenced by this quote from her website:

"I love to help make lace knitting fun and manageable even for the beginner lace knitter and almost all of my designs are very easy to customize. Knit what makes you happy, I always say. I am proud to have been called the Borg (because resistance is futile) and the Lace Vader. Welcome to the lace side...."

Susanna has a rare ability to design garments that look complex but are actually very easy to knit. A perfect example is Coco's Wrap from Knitting Traditions 2018. The shawl features a simple five-stitch, five-row lace motif and uncomplicated construction, making it a perfect project for a beginner to lace knitting.

Unlike most top-down shawls, it doesn't use a garter tab cast-on, which often causes difficulty for beginners. Instead, this shawl starts with just three cast-on stitches, a wrong-side knit row, and then a row with three double increases. The shawl is shaped into a triangle by working double increases in the center and along both edges.

Well-placed beads along the lower border provide just a hint of sparkle and create drape without being too heavy. The beads are a manageable size and are very easy to place using a steel crochet hook.

So if you've been hesitant about getting into lace knitting because you thought it was too difficult, let Susanna be your guide as you venture to the lace side!

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Pattern Details

DESIGNER Susanna IC

DIFFICULTY Intermediate

FINISHED SIZE 31" tall and 74" wide.

YARN Manos del Uruguay Milo (65% Merino wool, 35% linen; 380 yd [347 m]/3½ oz [100 g]): #i2800 natural, 3 skeins. Yarn distributed by Fairmount Fibers.

NEEDLES Size 7 (4.5 mm): 32" circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

NOTIONS Markers (m); 512 size 6/0 (4 mm) seed beads; size 10 (0.75 mm) steel crochet hook; tapestry needle; blocking pins.

GAUGE 18 sts and 25½ rows = 4" in lace patt.