Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Wrapunzel
Review Date: January 27, 2011
Date Introduced to Market: Fall 2010

Wrapunzel Fiona Cardigan

Wrapunzel Blue Bayou Tunic

Wrapunzel Rio Cardigan

The Look

New Wrapunzel, from Knit One Crochet Too, is aptly named. Rapunzel, the long haired princess who lived in the time of magic and Unicorns, is imagined in the Renaissance fashion of long hair laced with ribbon and studded with pearls, gems and precious metals. This lush, colorful yarn is a soft strand of roving wrapped with a multicolored strand of satiny ribbon. With undulating thick and thin variations, it is a fascinating combination of color and texture that only needs to be knit to reveal its potential. Modern day princesses will be enchanted by the color, texture and easy care machine-washability.

The Feel

To say that Wrapunzel is soft – it ranks #10 on the softness scale – does not imply that it is delicate or lacks body. All the roughness has been removed from this blend of 70% superwash wool and 30% acrylic; Wrapunzel is all softness and fluff.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Knit One Crochet Too supplies an attractive set of patterns from noted designer Hélène Rush that illustrate the versatility of Wrapunzel. Take advantage of the drape and texture Wrapunzel for a slouchy beret, one of the season’s most popular looks. Fitted or cropped sweaters, origami shaped jackets and gathered tunics all look great, too. Wrapunzel is classified as a medium weight yarn and works up at 19 – 20 stitches over 4 inches, probably the most commonly used gauge. Think about substituting it in any of the multitude of patterns readily available for this gauge.

Color Range

Two multi-shaded strands are plied together fusing into ever-changing color. The shiny ribbon and flat roving are tightly spun in some spots and completely unspun in others, creating a mix of light and shadow in a completely unpredictable mélange of color and texture. Seven variegated blends make up the entire palette for Wrapunzel, but it seems much broader because of the swirl of colors in each ball. The sophisticated color palette seems primarily suited to women’s fashion garments.

Working It

Wrapunzel was created to knit to that most beloved medium gauge of 19-20 stitches over 4 inches, but designers have used it effectively at bulkier gauges of 13 and 17 stitches over 4 inches. At the recommended gauge, Wrapunzel delivers a nicely elastic fabric. When knit slightly looser it yields a relaxed fabric with a flowing drape. Overall, it has a tweedy or speckled color effect, but doesn’t pool or collect in blotches of color. The thick and thin portions of the yarn add variety in stitch height and dimension, so the surface texture resembles the roughly matched stones in the famed Celtic dry masonry stone walls, perhaps like those that walled in Rapunzel. No worries about splitting the yarn in the thin, tightly twisted portions of the strand, but exercise a little caution in the roving sections. Slow down a bit to avoid splitting the yarn as the tenacious acrylic fibers tend to tangle.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Add a contrasting band or border knit in worsted wool or acrylic to your garment or hat. It’s one way to add stability to any knitting, and in the process increase the durability of the garment. Wrapunzel is so colorful and textural that nearly any yarn is a suitable companion. Go with a ribbon yarn as Knit One Crochet Too chose for the Wasabi Jacket, or use standard worsted in a coordinating or contrasting color. Like contrasting backstitch in needlepoint or cross-stitch, a bold band around the brim of a hat or the neck, hem, sleeves, or shoulders of a sweater is a simple way to accentuate the design elements of any garment.

Knitting Outside the Box

Knit Wrapunzel at a very relaxed gauge and pair it with lace weight mohair to make an elegant shawl or scarf. The rich colors will add pizazz to any outfit.

Blocking It

For best results, lay flat to dry. May be tumble-dried on low heat.

Washing It

Turn garment inside out and machine wash separately in cool water using a delicate setting.

Wearability

Thick and thin yarns might pill — especially the very soft variety with lots of fiber ends easily raised to the surface. To minimize any problems, brush away any pills you find and handle garments gently when washing.

Overall Recommendation:

Bring some color into your life by trying Wrapunzel. This versatile, easy care yarn will give miles of knitting pleasure and bring well deserved compliments when worn. It rates #9.