Addis Abeba

Addis Abeba Lace Shawl by Kathleen Sperling

What Is Being Made

The Addis Abeba is a bias-knit wrap shawl with a finished size of approximately 6 feet by 2 feet. This intermediate-level knitting project features a delicate lace motif inspired by traditional Ethiopian embroidery. The design is versatile and can be crafted in various fibers and colors, though the designer recommends white or natural cotton to authentically reflect the cultural inspiration behind the pattern.

Design Inspiration and Concept

The lace pattern draws from traditional Ethiopian embroidery techniques, translating those cultural textile elements into a modern knitted garment. The bias construction creates natural drape and movement in the finished shawl, making it both a functional accessory and a wearable art piece that celebrates global textile traditions.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Bias knitting: The shawl is constructed on the bias, which creates diagonal lines and allows for elegant shaping without complex decreases
• Lace knitting: Openwork patterns are created through strategic yarn overs and decreases to form the decorative motif
• Garter stitch: Used as the base stitch structure, providing texture and stability to the lace design
• Blocking: After completion, the shawl is blocked to set the gauge and enhance the lace pattern definition

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined to create the lace effect. Key stitches include knit (K), knit two stitches together (K2tog) for decreasing, knit through the back of the loop (Ktbl) for twisted stitches, pass two slipped stitches over (P2SSO) for double decreases, and pass slipped stitch over (PSSO) for single decreases. Yarn overs create the openwork characteristic of lace knitting. The pattern uses stitch markers—one mandatory and four optional—to help track pattern repeats and construction points.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This project is designed for fingering weight yarn (also called 4-ply), requiring 5 balls totaling approximately 1,090 yards. The model is worked in KnitPicks Comfy Fingering in white (#9437), a blend of 75% pima cotton and 25% acrylic, with each 50-gram ball providing 218 yards. The cotton content provides breathability and drape suitable for a wrap shawl, while the acrylic blend adds durability and elasticity.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for 3.5mm needles long enough to accommodate up to 123 stitches comfortably. Needles of sufficient length are essential for bias knitting, as the working stitches gradually increase before decreasing again. Stitch markers help organize the lace pattern repeats and track the bias construction progression.

Gauge

After blocking, the gauge is 17 stitches and 36 rows (18 ridges) to 4 inches in garter stitch. Achieving proper gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished dimensions of the wrap. Blocking is an integral part of the finishing process, helping to open up the lace motif and set the final measurements.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Addis Abeba requires solid foundational knitting skills including comfort with decreases, yarn overs, and pattern reading. The bias construction and lace elements demand attention to stitch placement and pattern tracking, making it suitable for knitters who have completed several projects and understand tension and shaping concepts.