Raising Abel

Raising Abel Knitted Scarves and Wraps by Laurie Beardsley

What Is Being Made

Raising Abel is a collection of three resizable knitted accessories designed by Laurie Beardsley: a skinny scarf, a wide scarf, and a wrap. Each piece features light, lacy construction that showcases the beauty of variegated yarns while remaining suitable for solid, semi-solid, and striping yarn options. The designs are infinitely resizable, allowing knitters to customize dimensions based on their preferences and available yarn quantities. This pattern complements the triangular shawl design "Raising Cane," offering versatility for different styling needs and occasions.

Project Specifications and Sizing

• Skinny Scarf: 6.25 inches wide by 66.5 inches long (15.8 cm x 169 cm)
• Wide Scarf: 11.25 inches wide by 63 inches long (28.5 cm x 160 cm)
• Wrap: 21.25 inches wide by 76 inches long (54 cm x 193 cm)

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Raising Abel employs lace knitting techniques to create an open, airy fabric with excellent drape and visual interest. The pattern utilizes lace weight yarn, which produces delicate, intricate stitch patterns characteristic of fine lace construction. The design is particularly well-suited to showcase the movement and color variation of highly variegated yarns, though it performs beautifully with solid and semi-solid colorways as well. The lacy construction allows for elegant striping effects when using striping yarns.

The pattern incorporates blocking as an essential finishing technique. After completion, the finished piece is blocked to achieve the correct gauge and to enhance the lace definition and drape. This blocking process is critical for revealing the full beauty of the lace pattern and ensuring proper dimensions.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Raising Abel is designed for lace weight yarn in fibers that block well, with merino and alpaca blends specifically recommended for optimal results and shape retention.

• Skinny Scarf: 420 yards (384 meters)
• Wide Scarf: 620 yards (567 meters)
• Wrap: 1,400 yards (1,280 meters)

The pattern calls for US 6 (4 mm) knitting needles, with 24-inch (60 cm) circular needles recommended for the wrap size. Knitters should select needle size based on achieving the specified gauge. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a locking stitch marker or safety pin (optional), and blocking supplies such as blocking mats, pins, and steam or spray blocking equipment.

Gauge and Customization

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 40 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern after blocking. Notably, gauge is not considered critical for this design, though variations will affect the total yarn consumption and the final dimensions and drape characteristics of the finished piece. This flexibility makes Raising Abel an excellent choice for knitters working with different yarn weights or seeking to customize their finished accessory size.

Skill Level

Raising Abel is rated as a beginner-level knitting project, making it accessible to newer knitters while offering beautiful, professional results. The lace knitting techniques are introduced in a straightforward manner, allowing beginners to develop their skills while creating an elegant finished garment.

Designer and Format

This pattern is designed by independent designer Laurie Beardsley and is available as a downloadable PDF format, allowing immediate access and the ability to print or view digitally while working on the project.