Joji Locatelli’s graphic, graceful Cuatro Wrap is destined to become a classic. And the construction is so smart: four separate triangles worked exactly the same way—in different color combinations—and joined when the knitting is done. It’s easy and fun to knit, and also very portable.
The knitting instructions include a table, for ease of reference. Whip out your Field Guide No. 22: Grace, open it to page 11, and let’s take a closer look.
Reading the Table
The table tells you which pattern stitch (stockinette or garter) to work for each section of the triangle, and in which color. Each row of the table gives you everything you need to know for each section.
The first three columns orient you by row number and by number of rows per section.
Column 4 indicates how many increase rows—always RS rows—there are in the section you’re working.
Column 5 tells you which color yarn to use.
Column 6 tells you whether that section is worked in stockinette or garter stitch.
Column 7 is there to help make sure you’re on track by specifying the number of stitches you should have on your needle at the end of that section.
Annotating the Pattern
If you want to get creative with school supplies—and who doesn’t at this time of year—grab yourself a highlighter and highlight the two sections on Page 10, To work in st st and To work in garter st, so the instructions for those key rows are easy to find. You’ll have them memorized in no time.
Reading Your Knitting
Each triangle begins with a garter tab cast-on indicated by the arrow here.
Stitch pattern or yarn color is the organizing principle per section as you see in this closer look at the wrap. The first five sections are worked with color A before you get to sets of two-row, stockinette stripes.
Minimizing Ends
When knitting the narrow two-color stripes, carry the yarn not in use up the side, twisting the unused color around the other. When you get to a long stretch of a solid color, go ahead and cut the second color yarn. This will minimize the ends to weave in.
Once you’ve knit through the table once, completing the first triangle, you may find you don’t need the written instructions; everything you need is on the table!
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Great orientation to the pattern!
Thank you for this decoding breakdown, very helpful! I was thinking of rearranging the triangles, and perhaps making more, to make a blanket.
That would be very easy. Like tangrams!
That table was super useful. I actually carried my yarn the whole way up.
The pic on the table! Down the rabbit hole we go! And the other table is so helpful. Well done folks
This is really helpful team. (I feel that I am on the MDK way out here in CA – can I say that?!) Sometimes I feel as though you all “read my mind” when you answer the questions I haven’t said out loud. Thank you MDK.
Kate you give such good advice. I was just looking through your sock book and marveling at how straightforward the directions are. Then I was knitting another pattern and noticed “Tech editing by Kate Atherley” and understood why I was in such good hands. Thanks for all your hard work!
I already wanted to knit this… Now I REALLY want to knit this!
I don’t have enough yarn left of any of my colors to join my triangles..I will need to order one more skein. I think light gray would be best for all. I do have a little white left for the white and gray one. Has any one else had this problem.