Isengard Stole

Isengard Stole by Susan Pandorf

Project Overview

The Isengard Stole is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Susan Pandorf. This downloadable PDF pattern creates an elegant stole using a sophisticated charted design that combines medallion motifs with geometric panels and intricate colorwork sections.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a substantial stole—a large, rectangular wrap garment ideal for layering and elegant draping. The finished piece showcases a complex architectural design featuring multiple pattern sections that work together to create visual interest and sophisticated construction.

Techniques Used

The Isengard Stole employs several advanced knitting techniques that define its intermediate difficulty level:

• Chart Reading: The pattern uses multiple charted sections (Chart 1 and Chart 2) with color-coded guidelines (red, green, and blue lines) to indicate different pattern regions and repeat sequences
• Medallion Construction: The bottom edge begins with a medallion repeat section, creating 16 individual medallions across the cast-on edge through systematic stitch repetition
• Decreasing: Strategic decreases are incorporated into the pattern, particularly noted in row 40 on either end, reducing stitch count from 131 to 129 stitches
• Multi-Panel Design: The stole incorporates distinct pattern panels including side rib sections and a center window panel, each with independent repeat sequences
• Stockinette Stitch Panels: Smooth stockinette sections provide visual contrast and structural foundation between patterned areas

Stitches and Pattern Structure

The pattern utilizes a sophisticated multi-section approach with distinct repeat patterns:

• Medallion Section (Chart 1): Beginning at row 8, the stitches between the red guide lines (stitches 3-10) repeat a total of 15 times across the row, creating 16 complete medallions along the bottom edge
• Side Rib Panels: Located between green and blue line markers, these panels feature a 52-row repeat cycle that creates vertical ribbed texture along the stole's edges
• Center Window Panel: Positioned between red vertical lines, this central section maintains a 26-row repeat pattern and appears twice within the overall design structure
• Stockinette Transition: Rows 39 and 40 complete a stockinette stitch panel that bridges Chart 1 and Chart 2, with row 41 serving as a setup row that does not repeat
• Cable Stitch Elements: A cable needle is required for the pattern, indicating the presence of twisted or crossed stitches that add textural dimension

Materials Required

The Isengard Stole calls for specific materials to achieve the intended drape and finished dimensions:

• Yarn: 1200 yards of fingering weight yarn (4-ply), providing the delicate, refined appearance characteristic of lace and intricate stole designs
• Needles: Size 3 needles appropriate for fingering weight yarn, ensuring proper gauge and fabric integrity
• Notions: A cable needle for cable stitch work and stitch markers (as needed) to help organize and separate the multiple pattern sections during knitting

Pattern Complexity Notes

This intermediate project requires careful attention to chart reading and pattern management. Knitters must track multiple repeat sequences simultaneously—the side rib panels with their 52-row repeat, the center window panel with its 26-row repeat, and the non-repeating setup rows. The use of color-coded chart lines (red, green, and blue) helps distinguish between different sections, and strategic marker placement is recommended to maintain pattern accuracy throughout the construction.