SweetGeorgia Marietta Stole Wrap Knitting Pattern

SweetGeorgia Marietta Stole: Lace Knit Rectangular Wrap

What Is Being Made

The Marietta Stole is a rectangular knitted wrap designed by Tabetha Hedrick. This elegant piece measures 18 ½ inches wide by 57 inches long when relaxed after blocking, making it a versatile accessory suitable for dressing up formal occasions or wrapping around the shoulders during quiet moments. The stole combines softness and sophistication through its use of luxury fiber content and intricate lace patterning.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs lace knitting and worked flat construction methods. The design features a deceptively approachable approach to lace work, making it accessible to intermediate-level knitters despite its refined appearance. The pattern incorporates eyelets and decreases that flow seamlessly into a cable-like lace pattern, creating visual interest and texture throughout the finished piece. The construction involves casting on 107 stitches and working the Marietta Stitch pattern repeatedly before binding off loosely to maintain the delicate drape characteristic of lace shawls.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Marietta Stole centers on the Marietta Stitch, a multiple of 16 stitches plus 11 additional stitches. This stitch pattern combines fundamental lace techniques including:

• Yarn overs (yo) that create the eyelet details essential to lace knitting
• Slip, slip, knit decreases (ssk) that pair with yarn overs to maintain stitch count while forming the lace structure
• Knit and purl stitches that provide texture and definition within the pattern

The stitch pattern is worked over 16-row repeats, with the pattern repeated a total of 10 times before completing a final single repeat of rows 1 through 16. Both written instructions and charted versions of the Marietta Stitch are provided in the pattern.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Marietta Stole is designed to be worked with SweetGeorgia Yarns CashSilk Lace, a luxury yarn combining 55% silk and 45% cashmere. Two skeins are required, each containing 400 yards (457 meters) per 1.75 ounce (50 gram) skein. The sample shown in the pattern is worked in the colorway English Ivy. The yarn's silk and cashmere blend provides the soft, silky quality that defines this stole's elegant drape and luxurious feel.

Knitting is worked on US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches (61 centimeters) long. Circular needles accommodate the width of the stole while allowing for comfortable flat knitting. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends during finishing. Knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the correct gauge before beginning the project.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) measured in the Marietta Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished stole achieves the intended dimensions of 18 ½ inches wide by 57 inches long. The pattern notes that this is an intermediate-level project, indicating that knitters should have foundational skills in lace knitting and stitch manipulation.

Finishing and Blocking

Finishing the Marietta Stole involves specialized blocking techniques that enhance the lace pattern and create the intended drape. The completed stole is soaked for 20 minutes in water, then gently squeezed to remove excess moisture without wringing. The piece is then pinned to finished measurements with end points stretched slightly to create a pointed effect, allowing the stole to air dry completely. This blocking process opens up the lace pattern and sets the shape, transforming the knitted fabric into its final elegant form. After blocking is complete, all yarn ends are woven in using the tapestry needle.