Thistle Wrap – Free Crochet Pattern

This post may be a little out of season as we’re currently in summer and this is an autumn/winter wrap. But for those of you who want to get a jump-start on the seasons, this is perfect timing 🙂

I’ve called this the Thistle Wrap because the colours take me back to my visit in Scotland. The hues in this wrap remind me of purple thistles, the grey sky and the lovely blue-grey seaside and lakes. Also, it would have been a great thing to have on-hand for those chilly spring days!

*Update* I’ve also published the Thistle Cowl pattern. So if you’re more of a cowl or infinity scarf type of person, check it out 🙂

This pattern is for a basic wrap crocheted in linen stitch (one of my all-time favourite stitches!). I’ve made it in variegated 20% wool 80% acrylic yarn. I’ve used two similar colours (purple and blue) so it doesn’t exactly have a stripey effect, but it just gives the wrap a point of difference.

I’d call this a beginner pattern as it just uses a combination of chains and single crochet. It is made in chunky yarn and a 7mm hook so it works up very quickly.

The cleverness in this pattern is the placement of two large buttons. These buttons allow you to wear the wrap in a variety of ways… and who doesn’t love the opportunity to buy cute buttons!?

The pattern below makes a wrap that is 100cm long x 60cm wide. But you can easily add width or length to the pattern by adding stitches and rows. Colours alternate every row, but don’t worry! The fringe means you don’t have to weave in any pesky ends. If you choose not to have a fringe for your wrap… good luck 😉

I hope you enjoy the pattern, and let me know if you have any questions!

Materials

• 150g chunky/bulky variegated yarn in colour 1 {C1}
• 150g chunky/bulky variegated yarn in colour 2 {C2}
• 7mm (size 2) crochet hook
• 2x 3cm buttons
• Beads (optional fringe decoration)
• Yarn needle
• Blocking mats and pins (optional)

Yarn suggestions

I can’t give you the exact yarn I used because I bought it at a clearance sale and I have totally forgotten the brand, colour etc etc. BUT, I have found some very good alternatives:

King Cole Corona Chunky

Louisa Harding Amitola Grande (expensive!)

Sirdar Sylvan Chunky (discontinued but looks lovely if you can get it!)

Wendy Stella

Rico Creative Melange Chunky

Note: I’m not sponsored in any way to post these links, I just thought it might be helpful!

Abbreviations

CH: Chain

SC: Single Crochet

SL ST: Slip-Stich

ST: Stitch

Instructions

{C1} CH 120

Row 1: SC in second CH from hook and all the way across. Cut yarn leaving a tail (for fringe) and tie off end with a SL ST (119)

Row 2: Change to {C2} using standing SC. *CH 1, skip the next ST, SC in the next ST.* Repeat from *-* 59 times until you reach the end of the row. Make sure you finish on a SC. Cut yarn leaving a tail (for fringe) and tie off end with a SL ST (59 CH 1, 60 SC)

Row 3: Change to {C1} using standing SC. *CH 1, skip the next ST, SC in the next ST.* Repeat from *-* 59 times until you reach the end of the row. Make sure you finish on a SC. Cut yarn leaving a tail (for fringe) and tie off end with a SL ST (59 CH 1, 60 SC)

Rows 4-64: Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have reached your desired width (I did 64 rows for a 60cm wide wrap)

Finished but unblocked

Finishing

1. Wet-block your wrap by soaking it in lukewarm water, then gently squeezing as much water out of the piece as possible (don’t wring or rub the item though, this will cause it to distort and felt).
2. Lay it out on a blocking mat (if you don’t have one, lay it out on a yoga/exercise mat or a towel).
3. Use your pins to pin the wrap so the edges are straight and even. Then use your fingers to comb out the fringe so it’s straight.
4. Cut the fringe to your desired length (I cut mine to 8cm).
5. Leave the wrap to dry fully. This could take a few days depending on how dense your yarn is.
6. Once your wrap is completely dry, it’s time to add your buttons. Measure 15cm down from the top of the wrap, and 15cm in from the left of the wrap (not including the fringe). Place your first button in the right-angle of these measurements and sew in place using your yarn needle. Weave in your ends.
7. Turn your piece over so the first button is underneath the wrap. Measure 15cm down from the top of the wrap, and 15cm in from the right of the wrap (not including the fringe). Place your second button in the right-angle of these measurements and sew in place using your yarn needle. Weave in your ends.
8. Now it’s time to knot and add beads to the fringe (if you want to). Take two ends of the fringe and thread a bead through them. Knot the ends of the fringe as close to the bead (and the side of the wrap) as possible. Repeat for all ends.

How To Wear

The cool thing about this wrap is that the buttons make it very versatile. You can wear it around your shoulders or as a cowl, and you can create a multitude of necklines depending on where you secure your buttons. Because the stitches are large enough, you don’t need to bother finding or making a button hole, any stitch will do.

Here are some of the ways I’ve worn my wrap:

Across the shoulders with one top corner buttoned (asymmetrical)

Across the shoulders with both corners buttoned (symmetrical)

Gathered around the top of shoulders and neck with both top corners buttoned

As a cowl with one side buttoned through 2 layers

Back of the wrap when worn asymmetrically across the shoulders

And there we have it. I hope you enjoy making this wrap. If you do, I would love it if you shared some photos! Use the hashtag #thistlewrap and tag me on Instagram @creating_time so I can see it and share 🙂

Until next time…

Katie