Openwork Stole in Bergere de France Cabourg - 9 - Downloadable PDF

Openwork Stole Knitting Pattern – Bergère de France Cabourg in Nacre

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Bergère de France provides complete instructions for creating a beautifully elegant openwork stole in a single, generous size. The finished stole measures an impressive 47 cm (18½ in) wide and 170 cm (67 in) long, making it a substantial and versatile accessory suitable for draping over the shoulders, wrapping around the neck, or wearing as a lightweight shawl across all seasons.

About the Design

The stole is worked in one piece from cast-on to cast-off, combining a delicate central lace stitch panel with neat moss stitch borders running along each long edge. The interplay between the airy, openwork centre and the textured, stable borders gives the stole a refined, finished appearance without the need for complex shaping or seaming. A single imitation leather press fastener in beige and gold effect (Ref 418.791) is added during making up, providing a subtle and stylish closure option that elevates the piece from a simple wrap into a more structured accessory.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Bergère de France Cabourg in the colourway Nacre (Ref 206.511) – a DK weight yarn chosen for its soft drape and lustrous finish, ideal for showcasing the openwork lace pattern
• Quantity: 7 balls of Cabourg Nacre
• Needles: 3.5 mm knitting needles
• Notions: 1 imitation leather press fastener in beige and gold effect (Ref 418.791)

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated tension is 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over lace stitch using 3.5 mm needles. Knitters are advised to work a tension square before beginning and to adjust needle size if necessary to ensure the stole reaches its intended dimensions.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Lace Stitch: The central 97 stitches of the stole are worked in a repeating lace pattern set over a multiple of 8 stitches plus 1. The pattern is built across 9 rows and uses a combination of yarn-forward increases (yfwd), slip-stitch decreases (sl1, k1, psso), and knit-two-together decreases (k2tog) to create the characteristic openwork mesh. Even-numbered rows are purled, giving the right side its decorative, airy texture.
• Moss Stitch: Seven stitches at each side edge are worked in moss stitch (also known as seed stitch), creating a firm, non-curling border that frames the lace centre neatly and keeps the edges lying flat throughout the length of the stole.
• Yarn-Forward (yfwd): Used repeatedly within the lace repeat to create decorative eyelets and to compensate for paired decreases, maintaining the stitch count throughout.
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl1, k1, psso): A left-leaning decrease used in combination with k2tog to form the symmetrical chevron-like openwork motifs within the lace repeat.
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease paired with yarn-forward increases to balance the lace pattern and create the directional flow of the openwork design.
• Cast-On and Cast-Off: The stole begins with a cast-on of 111 stitches and is worked straight for 512 rows (170 cm / 67 in) before all stitches are cast off.

Construction and Making Up

Because the stole is worked entirely in one piece with no shaping, it is an excellent project for an intermediate knitter looking to develop confidence with lace knitting while still producing a polished, wearable result. The long, repetitive nature of the lace repeat means that once the pattern is memorised,