The Ember & Ash Wrist Wrap: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Paracord Cuff
The Ember & Ash Wrist Wrap: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Paracord Cuff
This isn't your average survival bracelet; it's a luxuriously soft, knitted wrist wrap that mimics the rugged texture of paracord using a unique cable-and-rib stitch pattern. The deep charcoal and burnt orange colorway evokes the warmth of a dying campfire, making it a sophisticated, everyday accessory. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick, satisfying project or a beginner ready to tackle cables, this pattern is designed to be clear, detailed, and rewarding.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in two colors:
- 30 yards Main Color (MC) – Charcoal
- 20 yards Contrast Color (CC) – Burnt Orange
- Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (or circular needle for magic loop) and a cable needle.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, scissors.
- Gauge: 28 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in Cable Rib pattern (slightly stretched). Gauge is important for the fit; adjust needle size if necessary.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked flat, back and forth, and then seamed to create a tube. The unique texture comes from a combination of a 2x2 rib and a small, traveling cable that mimics the twisted look of paracord.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- C2F: Slip next stitch onto cable needle and hold in front, knit next stitch, then knit stitch from cable needle.
- C2B: Slip next stitch onto cable needle and hold in back, knit next stitch, then knit stitch from cable needle.
- MC: Main Color (Charcoal)
- CC: Contrast Color (Burnt Orange)
Cuff Body (Make 2 identical pieces)
Step 1: With MC, CO 18 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast-on works well).
Step 2: Work the following rows:
- Row 1 (RS): K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2.
- Row 2 (WS): P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2.
- Row 3 (RS - Cable Row): K2, P2, C2F, P2, C2B, P2, K2, P2, K2.
- Row 4 (WS): P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2.
- Row 5 (RS): K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2.
- Row 6 (WS): P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2.
- Row 7 (RS - Cable Row): K2, P2, C2B, P2, C2F, P2, K2, P2, K2.
- Row 8 (WS): P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2.
Step 3: Repeat Rows 1-8 until piece measures 7 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as you bind off).
Finishing
- Seam the sides: Place the two pieces together with RS facing out (the right sides should be visible on the outside). Using MC and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the long edges together, leaving the top and bottom open. This creates a tube. Ensure your stitches are even and secure.
- Create the closure: Cut two 12-inch lengths of CC yarn. Thread one through the top opening of the tube, and the other through the bottom opening. Tie the ends of each length together to form a loop. Make sure the knots are tight and secure.
- Weave in ends: Weave in all yarn tails securely using a tapestry needle. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric.
- Wear: Slip your hand through the loops and adjust the cuff so the cable pattern sits on top of your wrist. The loops act as a simple, adjustable closure. Enjoy your modern, textured wrist wrap!