Whimsy by Padma R

Whimsy

by Padma R
Crochet
DK (11 wpi) ?
15 stitches
in 15 sts = 5.5 inches in Body Row 1
6.0 mm (J)
5.5 mm (I)
590 - 600 yards (539 - 549 m)
68” (173cm) along top edge, 22” (56cm) height at center, 39” (99cm) along bottom edge
US
English
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To see videos of this wrap, please click here and here.

Are you a fan of Tunisian crochet? If you’re familiar with basic Tunisian stitches and want to try out exciting new stitches, this is the pattern you’ve been waiting for!

This wrap is a great example of the beautiful, airy fabric that can be achieved by varying the placement of hook insertions. The stitches used are less-commonly-seen, interesting variations on conventional Tunisian stitches.

It was designed quite some time ago! I was always looking (and swatching) for a way to make a Tunisian fabric with the same delicate appearance and drape as knitted lace… I found that while you can “translate” a knitted lace pattern to TC, the fabric will turn out to be very different from knit - because each TC row is worked in 2 passes.
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That’s when I realised that Tunisian openwork in its own right is uniquely beautiful and intricate…. Although “technically” it may not be classified as lace (because there are no paired yarn overs and decreases), it’s just as airy and delicate as any other lace!

The pattern has been tested and it includes instructions for a practice swatch, as well as a 10-page Photo tutorial PDF to walk you through the stitches, so you’re covered!

The wrap is worked upwards from the shorter edge, beginning with a Border with textured stitches. The Body pattern has rows of denser stitches alternating with lacy, open rows.
The trapezoid shape lends itself to many styling possibilities - wear it as a shawl or a scarf, with either edge at the top.

Skill level: Intermediate. Basic Tunisian skills are needed.

Yarn: DK weight yarn, about 600 yards.
A gradient or a fade set with mini-skeins will show off the stitch pattern best; solid or tonal colors will also work. Variegated or speckled yarns are not recommended. Recommended fibers are wool, wool blends or acrylic. Inelastic fibers such as cotton and linen are not suitable as they will not stretch enough to obtain gauge.
Guidelines on yarn and fiber choice are provided in the pattern.

The wrap in my photo used one cake of Lion Brand Mandala; 100% acrylic; (590 yds/539m/150g), shade Valkyrie.
One tester successfully used a light fingering yarn with acrylic/wool/mohair content and a 5.5mm hook.

Gauge: 15 sts (13 Tdc + 2 edge sts) in Row 1 = 5.5 inches and 4 rows (Rows 1-4) = 3 inches after blocking. Adjust hook size to obtain gauge. Gauge is not critical but will affect yardage and finished size. The pattern gives detailed instructions on handling gauge differences and how to make them work.

Needles & notions: US Size J/10 (6 mm) 32” cabled Tunisian hook, US Size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook, yarn needle, locking stitch markers

Finished size: 68” (173cm) along top edge, 22” (56cm) height at center, 39” (99cm) along bottom edge, after blocking

Link to test page and progress photos

Many thanks to my wonderful testers: Bklouser ash92 AlfridaRomea poojascrochet

Tester quotes

  • This pattern uses many different and special stitches, and has good explanations.
  • I found the Photo tutorial extremely helpful.
  • A person who knows basic Tunisian crochet can definitely make it with a bit of practice, by making the gauge swatch.
  • The pattern was extremely easy to follow after the practice swatch.
  • Love the “bumps” on the border!
  • Blocking turns these stitches to real lace!
  • The wrap is beautiful worn both ways, with shorter edge up or down.
  • I am extremely happy with my finished shawl. My husband even commented on how much he liked it.
  • I enjoyed making this, very much.

A second version of the pattern with a clarification for Row 3 of Body sections was uploaded on 3rd May 2023 as Whimsy v2. The previous file has been deleted. Photo tutorial is unchanged.