Kits are available for the Christmas Cracker Wrap
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This wrap was originally designed for the 2024 Under the Olive Tree Yarn Advent for use with 24 x 10g mini-skeins. This version of the pattern is written to use 2 x 100g / 425m skeins of sock or 4ply yarn and a 10g mini skein. However notes on how to adapt the pattern for use with 10g mini-skeins or leftovers are included.

About this Pattern

This pattern is a fun and engaging project that results in a wrap shaped like a giant Christmas Cracker! Starting with sections of chevron lace, the wrap begins (and ends) in a zig-zag pattern, just like the end of a cracker. To create the classic cracker shape you then work decreases and some rows in a high contrast colour for the cracker band and then increases to bring the shape back to a rectangle.

Then comes the fun part! There are 6 different lace patterns to choose from and if you are feeling adventurous you could roll a dice to randomly select a lace pattern. Or you can mix and match your favourite patterns to create your own totally unique wrap! Alternatively, if lace knitting is not your thing you can knit the lace sections in stockinette stitch.

The wrap alternates between sections of lace and garter stitch which not only gives you some mindless, relaxing knitting between the lace, but also lots of lovely texture throughout the wrap.

This version of the wrap is knitted with 2 skeins of 4ply sock weight yarn and one 10g mini-skein. However, if you want to go stash diving, the garter stitch sections can take a highly variegated yarn but I would recommend a light solid or semi-tonal colour for the lace sections and a high contrast colour for the cracker bands and bind-off edges (as per the gold colour in the pattern pictures).

Kits are available from https://www.undertheolivetreeknits.com/ourshop/prod_8234062-Wrap-Knitting-Kit-Christmas-Cracker-Choose-from-3-Colours.html

You can also adapt the wrap to make it with 24 x 10g mini-skeins by using a different colour for each section. There is a handy row tracker included to help keep track if you are using mini-skeins.

The pattern includes both written instructions and charts and has been tech edited and test knitted prior to publication. Video tutorials are also provided for the techniques used to cast on and bind-off.

Pattern Notes

Stitches Used – Sl1 wyif, knit, purl, yo, k2tog, ssk, sl2tog-k1-p2sso, m1l, m1r

Sizes – One size

Measurements – The finished, blocked wrap has a wingspan of 73.5” (187cm) and a depth of 18” (45.5cm)

Materials

• Yarn A - 465yd / 425m, 3.5 oz / 100g 4ply yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Sock yarn, 75% Superwash merino wool / 25% nylon in the Ghost colourway (pale silver)
• Yarn B - 465yd / 425m, 3.5 oz / 100g 4ply yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Sock yarn, 75% Superwash merino wool / 25% nylon in the Red Wine by the Fire colourway (dark reds)
• Yarn C - 46yd / 42.5m, 0.35 oz / 10g 4ply yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Sock yarn – Mini Skein, 75% Superwash merino wool / 25% nylon in the Gold colourway
• US size 4 (3.5mm) 32” (80cm) circular needle or a pair of
• 3.5mm straight needles 2 stitch markers
• 1 tapestry needle for weaving in the ends
• A 4mm crochet hook (or close size) for the provisional cast on
• A piece of waste yarn for the provisional cast on

Gauge: 24 stitches and 34 rows to 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking