Bramble Stole

Bramble Stole by Jenise Reid

Project Overview

The Bramble Stole is an advanced-level knitted shawl designed by Jenise Reid. This generous wrap measures 90 inches long (excluding fringe) and 26 inches wide at its widest point, making it substantial enough to wrap completely around the body with fabric to spare. The design features decorative fringe measuring 11 inches at each end, adding both visual interest and functional drape to the finished piece.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Malabrigo Worsted, a 100% merino wool yarn with a yardage of 205 yards per 100 grams. The project requires 6 skeins of yarn to complete the stole with fringe included. If you prefer to omit the fringe detail, you will need only 5 skeins. The sample shown was worked in colorway 93 Fucsia. The yarn weight is classified as worsted, providing excellent drape and a refined finished appearance.

Needles and Tools

The pattern is worked on 6mm needles. While all stitches can technically fit on regular straight needles, the designer recommends using a 36-inch circular needle for ergonomic comfort and ease of work. This needle choice reduces wrist strain during extended knitting sessions and allows you to spread out your completed work to assess the overall appearance and drape as you progress. A cable needle is needed if you choose to use one for cable stitch work, though this is optional depending on your preferred technique.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The working gauge for this pattern is 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches. This gauge is intentionally looser than the yarn manufacturer's recommended gauge, which allows the finished stole to drape beautifully and move fluidly when worn. The finished measurements are 90 inches long (not including fringe) and 26 inches wide at the widest point. This generous sizing accommodates various wearing styles, from wrapping fully around the body to draping asymmetrically. If you prefer a shorter or narrower finished garment, the designer suggests reducing the needle size by one or two sizes or omitting pattern repeats.

Skill Level and Techniques

This is an advanced-level knitting project, indicating that the pattern includes complex stitch work and techniques suitable for experienced knitters. The Bramble Stole incorporates cable stitches and other intricate patterning that creates visual texture and dimension throughout the piece. The advanced difficulty level reflects both the stitch complexity and the scale of the project, which requires sustained focus and technical proficiency to execute successfully.

Design Characteristics

The Bramble Stole showcases textured stitch work that creates visual interest and depth. The pattern is designed to be worn as a versatile wrap that can be styled in multiple ways depending on personal preference and occasion. The inclusion of fringe at both ends adds a decorative finishing detail that complements the overall aesthetic while enhancing the garment's movement and drape.