Leaf Net Stole

Leaf Net Stole by Kristy Howell

What is Being Made

The Leaf Net Stole is an advanced-level knitted shawl designed by Kristy Howell. This elegant accessory measures 17 inches (43 cm) wide by 67.5 inches (171 cm) long after blocking, making it a versatile wrap suitable for layering or draping. The stole features an openwork design centered around a repeating drop leaf motif that creates an airy, lace-like aesthetic.

Design and Customization

One of the key features of this pattern is its flexibility in sizing. The stole can be adjusted by adding or removing repeats of the 14-stitch drop leaf pattern unit, allowing knitters to customize the finished dimensions to their preferences. However, yarn amounts would need to be recalculated accordingly if the pattern is modified.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated appearance:

• Openwork and lace construction: The drop leaf pattern creates intentional holes and decreases that form the decorative openwork design characteristic of lace shawls
• Yarn overs (yo): Used extensively throughout the pattern to create the openwork and increase stitches strategically
• Knit through the back loop (k1tbl): This twisted stitch variation is used in the "Make 1 into 7" increase technique to add multiple stitches from a single stitch
• Drop and pick up stitch technique: A specialized method where a stitch is deliberately dropped and allowed to unravel, then picked up using the running thread. This technique requires inserting the left needle into the running thread from front to back and knitting into the front without twisting
• Garter stitch edging: The foundation uses 4 rows of garter stitch with slipped stitches to create a finished edge
• Circular needle construction: Despite being a flat piece, the pattern uses a circular needle, which is common practice for managing larger stitch counts

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Leaf Net Stole incorporates the following key stitches and stitch elements:

• Garter stitch: Used for the initial 4-row border, created by knitting every row
• Drop leaf pattern: A 14-stitch repeat that forms the main decorative element of the shawl
• Yarn overs: Create the lace holes and are paired with decreases to maintain stitch count
• Knit stitches through the back loop: Part of the specialized increase techniques
• Make 1 into 7 increase: A unique technique that transforms a single stitch into seven stitches using the sequence: k1tbl, yo, k1tbl, yo, k1tbl, yo, k1tbl

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for Cascade Heritage Silk yarn, a premium blend consisting of 85% merino superwash wool and 15% mulberry silk. This fiber combination provides both durability and luxurious drape. The yarn is available in color #5608 dark green, and the pattern requires 2 skeins of the 437-yard (400 meter) per 100-gram weight.

The recommended needle size is US Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 24 inches long, paired with 2 stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and construction sections.

The gauge is 18 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in the drop leaf pattern, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project to ensure the finished measurements and the proper drape of the openwork design.

Construction Overview

The stole begins with a small cast-on of 3 stitches, followed by a main section of 98 stitches, then another 3 stitches, totaling 104 stitches. This structure creates a centered design with balanced edges. The first 4 rows are worked in garter stitch with slipped stitches for a neat edge finish, followed by the set-up rows and the main drop leaf pattern repeats.