Breacan Wrap
During the colder months, there is something about coming in on a chilly day and wrapping up in a blanket or shawl, with a warming drink (or whisky!) and watching the wind blow, or the rain or snow come down. Inspired by the patterns and colours associated with tartan, this cosy wrap is the perfect thing to keep warm on colder days.
Breacan (pronounced brech-kan) is the Gaelic for tartan or plaid (it actually translates as ‘chequered’, ‘variegated’ or ‘speckled’).
A brief history of tartan is included with the pattern.
The wrap is double-knit and fully reversible, with the wrong side having the MC and CC colours inverted. Two colour options are provided: the Three Colour Version offers a solid MC / CC background, the Multi-Colour Version forms a gradient.
In the Multi-Colour sample shown in the pictures, this forms a gradient running light to dark. This reflects on some of the classifications of tartan finishes; specifically, the categories described as Ancient, Muted and Modern.
Ancient are the light shades meant to represent the faded/softer colours obtained from natural dyes seen on historical tartan pieces. Modern are the modern, bright, chemically-dyed colours. Muted colours lie between Ancient and Modern and are a modern (chemical) take on the shades obtained from new naturally-dyed pieces.
Size
61” / 155 cm Long x 22” / 56 cm Wide (without Fringe). (With Fringe, 69” / 175 cm Long). One size as written.
Gauge
18 stitch pairs / 24 rows = 4” in double-knit stockinette stitch.
Tools
4.5mm / US7 Needles
4 Stitchmarkers (Locking/Removable type or Waste Yarn)
Tapestry Needle
4 mm / US 6 Crochet Hook or smaller
Yarn
Sample shown is the Multi-Colour version, using Jamieson & Smith 2 Ply Jumper Weight (125 yds / 114 m per 25g).
Three Colour Version
2,750 yds / 2,508 m of Fingering Weight / 4 Ply yarn, (MC: 1,250 yds / 1,140 m, CC1: 1,250 yds / 1,140 m, CC2: 250 yds / 228 m).
Multi-Colour Version
2,750 yds / 2,508 m of Fingering Weight / 4 Ply yarn, (MC1: 416 yds / 380 m, MC2: 416 yds / 380 m, MC3: 416 yds / 380 m, CC1: 416 yds / 380 m, CC2: 416 yds / 380 m, CC3: 416 yds / 380 m, CC4: 250 yds / 228 m).
Sample shown is the Multi-Colour version, using Jamieson & Smith 2 Ply Jumper Weight (125 yds / 114 m per 25g) in the following shades: MC1: 14 (Pale Blue), MC2: FC15 Mix (Mid Blue), MC3: 21 (Navy), CC1: 203 (Light Grey), CC2: 27 (Mid Grey), CC3: 54 (Dark Grey) and CC4: 1A (Cream).