Asymmetry by Jo Sharp

Asymmetry

Knitting
September 2005
Aran (8 wpi) ?
21.5 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches
in pattern stitch with rib relaxed
US 10½ - 6.5 mm
1040 yards (951 m)
English

Pattern description from Wrap Style: “Jo Sharp knows that good design doesn’t need to be complicated. To construct this simple wrap, Jo first knitted two identical rectangles in a noncurling, slipped rib stitch. Then she and her design team pinned the rectangles on a mannequin to see how many ways thy could drape, wrap, or join the pieces together. The asymmetrical one-button wrap you see here is their favorite assembly, but by no means the only good one. Play around with your own pieces before sewing them together - you may come up with an arrangement that you like even better.”

Finished Size: About 20” (51 cm) long from shoulder line to bottom of right front, and about 24” (61 cm) long from shoulder to bottom of left front

Yarn:

  • About 1040 yd (951 m) of aran-weight (Medium #4) yarn.
  • Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Hand Knitting Yarn (85% wool, 10% silk, 5% cashmere; 104 yd (95 m)/50 g): #108 ricepaper, 10 balls.

Needles: Size 10½ (7mm): straight. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Tapestry needle; one 1.25” (3.2 cm) button.

Notes from Wrap Style:

  • The asymmetrical construction and softly draping fabric of this design present a challenge when it comes to determining the exact best fit for every wearer. If you are concerned about fit, you may want to create a mockup before embarking on the knitting.
  • One way to test the pattern is to fold and pin a pair of bath towels to the dimensions of the rectangles (safety pins recommended). You can use fabric, too, but bath towels are likely to be handy and close to the correct size already. Pin the towels together according to the finishing instructions, and try on your mock wrap. Experiment with the placement of the seams and button, and even with the dimensions of the rectangles themselves, until you have achieved the desired effect. Keep notes about your changes, and use them to create a customized wrap. Remember to buy extra yarn if your version will be larger than what is given in the instructions.