Woman's Accessories in Sirdar Alpine - 8278 - Downloadable PDF

Woman's Accessories in Sirdar Alpine – Pattern 8278: Stole and Tippet Knitting Pattern

Pattern 8278 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for two classic women's accessories: a stole and a tippet. Both pieces are worked in Sirdar Alpine DK weight yarn and are designed as a coordinating set, making them an elegant and practical addition to any handknitted wardrobe. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is sized as one size.

The Stole

The stole is a long, flowing rectangular wrap worked as a single piece in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch). It is knitted to an approximate finished length of 175 cm (69 inches), making it a generously sized accessory suitable for draping over the shoulders or wrapping around the neck for warmth and style.

Techniques Used in the Stole

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The entire stole is worked in stocking stitch, alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric with excellent drape.
• Diagonal pattern: A subtle diagonal pattern is incorporated by working increases and decreases within the row — specifically knitting into the front and back of the first stitch and working a k2tog at the end of the row — which causes the fabric to angle gently across the length of the piece.
• Blocking: After completion, the stole is pinned out to the stated measurement, covered with damp cloths, and left to dry, which is an essential finishing step for achieving the correct drape and dimensions.

The Tippet

The tippet is a shaped collar-style accessory worked in two separate pieces — a Left Piece and a Right Piece — which are then joined together using a clever three-needle cast-off technique. Each piece begins with a small cast-on and is gradually shaped through regular increases along the outer edge, building from 3 stitches up to 13 stitches. The tippet sits around the shoulders and neck, fastening at the lower edges with a press fastener for a neat, secure finish.

Construction of the Tippet

• Left Piece: Cast on 30 stitches and worked in stocking stitch throughout, with the diagonal pattern set by working an increase at the beginning of the row and a k2tog at the end.
• Right Piece: Cast on 3 stitches and shaped with increases at the outer edge on alternate rows and then every fourth row to build the curved silhouette, reaching 13 stitches.
• Both pieces incorporate short-row shaping using the wrap and turn (wrap 1, turn) method, which creates smooth, curved edges without leaving holes in the fabric — a hallmark of well-finished shaped knitting.

Techniques Used in the Tippet

• Short-row shaping with wrap and turn: Used on both the Left and Right Pieces to shape the curved lower edges of the tippet neatly and professionally.
• Increasing (inc): Worked by knitting into the front and back of a stitch at the outer edge to gradually widen each piece.
• Decreasing (k2tog): Used within the diagonal pattern of the Left Piece to maintain stitch count while creating the angled fabric.
• Three-needle cast-off: The two tippet pieces are joined by holding the needles right side to right side and knitting through the first stitch on each needle simultaneously, then passing the first stitch over the second. This creates a neat, seamless-looking join along the top edge.
• Blocking: As with the stole, the finished tippet is pinned out, covered with damp cloths, and left to dry to set the shape.
• Press fastener: Sewn to the lower edges to allow the tippet to fasten securely at the front.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• Stocking stitch (st-st) — knit on