Cascade Yarns A Lace Stole Cowl Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns A Lace Stole

What Is Being Made

The Cascade Yarns A Lace Stole is an intermediate-level knitted accessory designed by Cheryl Beckerich. This elegant lace stole measures 16 inches wide by 84 inches long, making it a versatile piece that can be worn as a cowl, scarf, or draped accessory. The finished dimensions provide substantial coverage while maintaining the delicate aesthetic characteristic of lace knitting.

Materials Required

This project uses Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool, a natural fiber yarn composed of 100% Peruvian wool. The pattern requires 2 skeins of color #8019 (Antique), totaling 250 grams (8.82 ounces) and 478 yards (437 meters) of yarn. Knitters will also need US 11 (8.0 mm) 24-inch circular knitting needles or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge, along with stitch markers and a yarn needle for finishing.

Gauge and Construction

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 15 stitches by 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the lace pattern stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the lace motifs display as intended.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This intermediate project employs a variety of essential knitting stitches and techniques that create the characteristic openwork of lace knitting:

• Yarn overs (YO) — The foundation of lace knitting, these create the decorative holes and openwork that define the stole's delicate appearance
• Decreases — Multiple decrease techniques are used throughout, including knit 2 together (K2tog), slip-slip-knit (ssk), slip 1-knit 2 together-pass slipped stitch over (Sl1-k2tog-psso), knit 3 together (K3tog), and knit 5 together (K5tog). These decreases are strategically paired with yarn overs to maintain stitch count while creating the lace pattern
• Increases — Knit into the front and back of stitches (Kfb) are used during the increase section to build from the initial 3 cast-on stitches to the full width of 53 stitches
• Knit and purl stitches — Basic knit and purl rows form the foundation and structure between lace pattern repeats
• Slip stitches — Used as components within complex decrease sequences to manipulate stitch positioning

Lace Pattern Structure

The stole features an 8-row lace pattern repeat that works over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 1. The pattern alternates between rows containing yarn overs and decreases (which create the openwork) and purl rows (which allow the fabric to develop dimension). The lace motifs include both symmetrical and asymmetrical decreases, creating visual interest and movement within the fabric.

Construction Method

The stole is constructed using a distinctive increase-and-decrease method. The pattern begins with a small increase section, where stitches are gradually added every other row using yarn overs and knit-front-and-back increases until reaching 53 stitches. Once the full width is achieved, the lace pattern repeat is worked across the length of the piece. Finally, a decrease section mirrors the increase section, with stitches gradually reduced every other row until only 3 stitches remain, which are then bound off. This shaping technique creates a graceful, tapered form at both ends of the stole.

Skill Level Considerations

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project requires familiarity with lace knitting fundamentals. Knitters should be comfortable reading lace charts or written pattern instructions, managing multiple decrease techniques, and maintaining consistent tension throughout openwork sections. The use of circular needles and stitch markers helps manage the increasing and decreasing stitch counts effectively.