Abebi Stola Wrap Knitting Pattern

Abebi Stola in Berroco Quechua

What is Being Made

The Abebi Stola is a lightweight knitted shawl and wrap designed by Brenda York. This beginner-friendly project creates a finished rectangular wrap measuring approximately 17 inches wide by 74 inches long after blocking, making it an ideal accessory for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a knitting project worked flat in rows using the long-tail cast-on method. The shawl is constructed by casting on 102 stitches and working a repeating four-row pattern sequence until the piece reaches the desired length of approximately 74 inches from the cast-on edge. The pattern concludes with a purl-wise bind-off worked on the wrong side after completing a right-side row.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Abebi Stola features a distinctive lace pattern stitch that repeats across rows. The core stitches and techniques employed include:

• Purl two together (p2tog) – a decrease stitch that reduces stitch count and creates texture
• Yarn overs (yo) – increases that create the characteristic openwork and lace appearance
• Knit stitches – fundamental stockinette stitch rows
• Purl stitches – used for reverse stockinette sections and shaping

The pattern stitch sequence repeats every four rows: Row 1 features the lace pattern with multiple p2tog decreases alternating with yarn overs and knit stitches; Row 2 is worked entirely in purl; Row 3 is worked entirely in knit; and Row 4 is purled. This four-row repeat continues throughout the entire length of the shawl.

Materials and Tools

The Abebi Stola is designed to be worked in Berroco Quechua yarn, requiring 6 hanks of the colorway #1321 Fennel. Each hank weighs 50 grams. Knitters should use straight or circular needles in size 7 (4.50 mm), or the size necessary to obtain the correct gauge. The recommended gauge for this project is 24 stitches and 32 rows measured over 4 inches in the pattern stitch after blocking. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Finishing

After completing all rows, the shawl is finished by weaving in all yarn ends and blocking as desired. Blocking is particularly important for this lace pattern, as it opens up the yarn-over stitches and helps the shawl achieve its intended measurements and drape.