Ripples Stole

Ripples Stole by Jenise Reid

What is Being Made

The Ripples Stole is an advanced knitted shawl designed by Jenise Reid. This elegant accessory measures 76 inches long by 30 inches wide after blocking, making it a generous wrap suitable for draping across the shoulders or wearing as a decorative stole. The design features a distinctive ripple pattern that creates visual movement and texture throughout the piece. Before blocking, the stole measures 54 inches long by 26 inches wide, demonstrating the significant growth that occurs during the finishing process—nearly two feet of additional length.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This project employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that create the ripple effect characteristic of the design. The stole is constructed using a combination of increases and decreases worked in specific sequences to generate the undulating pattern. Yarn overs (yo) are used throughout to create openwork elements and contribute to the lacy quality of the ripples. The pattern alternates between right-side rows and wrong-side rows, with even-numbered rows worked on the right side, allowing knitters to develop rhythm and consistency as they progress through the piece.

Stitches Used

The Ripples Stole utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic patterns:

• Knit and Purl: These basic stitches form the foundation of the stole and create texture variation between rows.
• Yarn Overs (yo): Used extensively to create the openwork and lacy elements that define the ripple pattern.
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the ripples and control stitch count.
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog to create balanced shaping within the ripple motif.

These stitches work together in repeating sequences to build the characteristic wave-like appearance of the finished piece.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Tonal, 100% superwash merino wool, 220 yards per 100-gram skein. Five skeins are required to complete the stole, though purchasing an extra skein is recommended to ensure sufficient yardage for completion.

Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge.

Notions: A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the stole blocks to the intended dimensions.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced and requires proficiency with knit, purl, k2tog, yarn over, and ssk stitches. The combination of these techniques in the ripple pattern, along with the substantial yardage and blocking requirements, makes this project suitable for experienced knitters seeking a challenging and rewarding project.