The Design

“Make it an open cardigan or a seamed tunic.”

Our original Modern Wrapper was a big hit, but several knitters asked for a similar style without the mohair component. To achieve the requisite ‘lightness of being’ without the mohair haze to fill in the gaps, we shifted to a finer fabric, mixing (or matching) two strands of lace-weight yarn. We’ve also slimmed the silhouette and added a bit more precision to the fit by grading the design in three relaxed sizes.

See how we've used this pattern!

The Details

SIZES
This garment is designed with 16–22"/40–56cm of ease. When choosing which size to knit, we suggest you refer to the schematic for the shoulder width and the upper sleeve width.
Sizes XS/S (M/L, XL). Information given for XS/S; M/L, XL in parentheses ( ).
Finished bust: 54 (62, 70)"/137(158, 178)cm.
To fit bust: 32–38 (40–46, 48–54)"/81–96 (101–117, 122–137)cm.
With ease of: 16–22"/40–56cm.

LENGTHS
Finished body length: Measured from high shoulder (where shoulder meets neck) to hem. 28½ (30, 31½)"/72 (76, 80)cm, or desired length.
Center back neck to cuff: 29¾ (31¾, 33¾)"/76 (81, 86)cm, or desired length.

YARN
Choose lace-weight yarns to hold double, or one heavy-fingering to sport-weight yarn.
Approx. 1800 (2150, 2350) yds/1650 (1960, 2150)m each of two lace-weight yarns.
Shown in size XS/S on 38"/96.5cm bust, in Rowan Fine Lace (437 yds/400m each) held double, in charcoal Color 929.
Shown in warm khaki-grey, size XS/S on 33"/84cm bust, in Isager Alpaca 1 (437 yds/400m each) in Color 7, held with Isager Spinni/Wool 1 (330 yds/360m each) in Color 13S.

For custom lengths: To lengthen or shorten body, add or subtract approx. 44 (51, 56) yds/40 (47, 51)m of yarn per 1"/2.5cm of knitted length.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 6 (4mm) 24–32"/60–80cm circular needle, or size to obtain gauge.
US 4 (3.5mm) 24–32"/60–80cm circular needle, or 2 US sizes/.5mm smaller than gauge size.
2 ring markers; 17 (20, 23) locking markers; 6 stitch holders (we like to use 4 extra circular needles and 2 double-points in gauge size or smaller, so you can knit off holder from either end); darning needle to finish.

GAUGE
22 sts/32 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needle, after blocking.

KNITTER'S NOTES

When knitting with two strands at the same time, stop periodically to check for any dropped strands. While it’s not the worst thing that can happen to a sweater, dropped strands are easy to fix, especially if you catch them early.

This garment is designed with 16–22" of ease, which leaves a lot of options for fit! Use the recommended amount of ease and enjoy the drapey fabric that results. Or knit it on the larger end of the ease range for a more oversized and dramatic look (similar to our original Modern Wrapper but in a lighter fabric). Or try one size smaller than recommended for a closer-fitting piece that’s more like a long cardigan to wear over leggings and a tank top.

If you decide to make your Modern Wrapper Fine into a tunic, leave a small amount of yarn visible after seaming the center front. This way you can easily undo the seam should you want a cardigan instead.