A Wrap Woven From Story, Strength & Style

The moment I saw Black Panther, I couldn’t take my eyes off the knitted shawl Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) wore. It wasn’t just a costume piece, it was a statement. As a Black, feminized creative, that film hit me deeply at the time. Seeing knitwear, our art, our tradition, our everyday magic, highlighted on a global stage lit something inside me. I knew I had to honor that moment in my own way.

So I began the hunt. I tracked down the yarns by sight and by feel, reaching out to yarn companies, touching samples, studying color shifts. In the end, I chose to trust my own vision. I paired a gorgeous indie-dyed skein from Ewetopia (yes, you can find them online!) with a self-striping merino from Berroco to build a palette that felt powerful, grounded, and unmistakably me.

Halfway through HAND-knitting the wrap—stitch by stitch, row by row—while also writing the pattern, a machine-knit version popped up online. And still, I kept going. Because this piece wasn’t about convenience; it was about craft, interpretation, and honoring inspiration through my own hands.

What emerged is not an exact replica of the movie shawl, but my interpretation. an homage to that iconic moment. A Möbius Wrap filled with movement, texture, and story. Multiple lace motifs dance alongside textured stitches. Four fingering-weight yarns come together in harmony. It is knit flat, then joined with a single half-twist to create that signature Möbius shape.

The result? A wrap that’s incredibly versatile. Wear it as a dramatic shoulder piece, a layered cowl, a statement shawl, or a cozy loop. However you style it, it becomes a conversation.

And like all motherofpurl patterns, knitting this piece is an experience, not just a project. You’ll be guided to explore your intuitive knitting style, stretch your creativity, and experiment joyfully. It’s a pattern, yes, but it’s also a journey into your own artistry.

Craft your intention. Wear the story. Make it your own.