Flossie

Flossie Knit Stole by Deb Hoss

What is Being Made

Flossie is a generous all-season knit stole designed by Deb Hoss, measuring 20 x 72 inches after blocking. This versatile wrap functions as both a neck wrap for winter warmth and a shoulder wrap for milder seasons, making it a practical layering piece suitable for year-round wear.

Lace Pattern and Design

The centerpiece of Flossie is an elegant lace pattern called Zigzag Vine, featuring an 11-stitch by 20-row repeat. The pattern construction is ingenious: it consists of 10 rows worked twice, with the second set duplicating the first in the opposite direction, creating a symmetrical and visually interesting design. The lace is framed with a brief trim of Garter stitch, which provides a clean, finished edge while keeping the overall aesthetic simple yet sophisticated.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level project requires several fundamental knitting skills:

• Cast-on: Long-tail cast-on for a sturdy, elastic foundation
• Decreasing: Slip-slip-knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) for shaping and lace decreases
• Increasing: Yarn-over (yo) increases to create the openwork lace pattern
• Finishing: Blocking to achieve the finished measurements and even out the lace
• Garter stitch: Used for the border trim

Yarn and Materials

Flossie is shown knit in Venezia worsted by Cascade Yarns in the colorway Orchid Haze #177. This yarn is composed of 70% merino wool and 30% silk, providing a luxurious feel with excellent drape and subtle sheen. The project requires approximately 875 yards (800 meters) of worsted-weight yarn, equivalent to 4 skeins of the shown yarn (218 yards per 100-gram skein). Knitting needles are US8 (5 mm).

Suitable for Most Knitters

While classified as intermediate, Flossie is described as an enjoyable project suitable for most knitters. The straightforward lace repeat and minimal shaping make it accessible to those with basic lace-knitting experience, while the finished result is luxurious and sophisticated enough to appeal to experienced makers seeking an elegant, wearable design.