White Horse Hill

White Horse Hill Laced Knit Wrap

Project Overview

White Horse Hill is a delicate laced wrap designed by Teresa Gregorio and inspired by the striking vertical beauty of Gothic architecture. This downloadable knitting pattern creates an elegant wrap perfect for adding warmth during cool weather, particularly suited for hilltop settings where breezes require extra layering. The design features sophisticated lace work combined with a practical ribbon-lacing system, making it both visually striking and functionally versatile.

Garment Details and Sizing

The White Horse Hill wrap is available in two size options: S/M and M/L. Detailed garment schematics are provided within the pattern to help knitters select the appropriate size based on specific body measurements. The finished wrap uses approximately 550 metres of yarn, making it a substantial project that creates a generous, wearable piece.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Madeline Tosh Sock yarn, with knitters needing 2 hanks to complete the project. Additionally, the wrap features a decorative and functional ribbon element: 1 metre of 1 cm wide ribbon is required for the lacing detail that runs through the eyelets incorporated into the design. Knitters will need 2.25 mm circular needles, at least 80 cm in length, to accommodate the wrap's width during construction.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

White Horse Hill employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that create its elegant aesthetic. The pattern requires proficiency in reading charts, a fundamental skill for executing the lace sections accurately. Knitters must be comfortable with the backwards loop cast-on method to begin the project properly.

• Lace and Eyelets: The wrap features eyelets inserted every 10 rows along the edge sections, creating openings through which the ribbon is threaded for both decorative and structural purposes
• Edge Stitches: The first six and last six stitches of each row are worked as "lacing edging" in moss stitch, providing a finished edge while maintaining the lace pattern's integrity
• Cables: Cable stitches are incorporated into the design, adding textural interest and contributing to the Gothic architectural inspiration
• Increases and Decreases: Strategic increasing and decreasing stitches shape the wrap and create the lace pattern's characteristic openwork
• Knit and Purl Variations: The pattern uses standard knit and purl stitches as well as knit through back of loop (ktb) and purl through back of loop (ptb) techniques for shaping and stitch manipulation

Gauge and Construction

The pattern specifies a gauge of 7 stitches and 10 rows equaling 1 inch when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and drape of the wrap. The construction begins with a backwards loop cast-on and progresses through chart-based lace sections, with markers placed to track pattern repeats and establish stitch sections throughout the knitting process.

Special Skills Required

Knitters should possess intermediate to advanced skills before beginning White Horse Hill. Essential competencies include the ability to read and follow knitting charts, execute cable stitches, and manage increases and decreases within a lace pattern. Familiarity with working from circular needles and maintaining consistent tension throughout a large project is also important for success with this design.