What does Courage look like to you?

To me, it is unpretentious but determined, steady and grounded like a tree. Rooted in our hearts, its strength flows outward into our lives. So I chose motifs for Courage that evoke roots and branches and leaves. I constructed it from a little garter tab that grows outward, first into a triangle and then into a big, enveloping bias-knit rectangle. And I designed it to be extra large so that when you wear it, it surrounds you.

I also pulled inspiration from J. Ruth Gendler’s The Book of Qualities, a delightful and surprisingly profound collection of vignettes that personify qualities like Courage, Forgiveness, and Joy. When Debi of Blue Skin Yarns and I connected over the book, we decided to translate three qualities that spoke to us into colorways and patterns. This pattern, of course, is Courage.

The yardage given is for the full version. However, since I know not everyone likes their wraps as big as I do (and courage, after all, isn’t one-size-fits-all!), the pattern includes modification notes for narrower and shorter versions. See below for yardage estimates.

The pattern is both written and charted, and Courage has been tech edited and test knit, so you can cast on with confidence.

May your version bring you Courage for whatever life sends your way!

SIZE
Length: 110.5” / 280.5 cm
Width: 23” / 58.5 cm
Measurements taken after firm blocking. Wrap will shrink some with wear.

YARN
Approximately 1432 yd / 1310 m of fingering weight yarn. Pattern includes notes for reducing the wrap’s size. (Testers who followed modifications to make smaller sizes used 630 to 800 yds, depending on modifications.)

Shown in Blue Skin Yarns Oliver (75% Wool, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk; 497 yd / 454 m per 115 g / 4.06 oz skein) in Courage.

NEEDLES
US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge; 40” / 100 cm or longer circular needles are recommended to accommodate large number of stitches

NOTIONS
2 stitch markers, 1 removable stitch marker (optional), waste yarn or spare cable to hold 147 live stitches, tapestry needle

GAUGE
20 stitches and 36 rows = 4” 10 cm in garter stitch after firm blocking. Gauge is not crucial but will affect yardage used and final dimensions.

TECHNIQUES
Twisted stitches, single increases and decreases, single and double yarn overs, garter tab cast on. Pattern includes links to more information about required stitches and techniques.

Here’s how testers described knitting Courage: comforting, engaging, interesting, soothing, fun, simple yet elegant, relaxing, varied, satisfying, meditative, rhythmic, adjustable, engrossing, additive, unique, enveloping, good for stress relief, the perfect blend of mindless knitting and interest, never boring or tedious, and a joy to knit.

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