Marietta Stole in SweetGeorgia CashSilk Lace - Downloadable PDF

Marietta Stole in SweetGeorgia CashSilk Lace – Knitting Pattern by Tabetha Hedrick

The Marietta Stole is a beautifully refined rectangular stole designed by Tabetha Hedrick and published by SweetGeorgia Yarns. Finished dimensions measure 18½ inches (47 cm) wide by 57 inches (145 cm) long after blocking, making it a generously sized accessory that drapes elegantly over the shoulders or wraps softly around the neck. This downloadable PDF pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is a wonderful project for knitters who are comfortable with lace techniques and ready to explore a design that looks far more complex than it truly is.

What Is Being Made

The Marietta Stole is a long, rectangular lace stole — sometimes referred to in the pattern as the Marietta Shawl — worked flat from one short end to the other. Its elongated shape and luxurious drape make it equally suited to formal occasions and relaxed everyday wear. The finished piece is described as "an absolute must for dressing up or winding down," capturing the versatility that a well-designed lace stole can offer.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is specifically written for SweetGeorgia Yarns CashSilk Lace, a sumptuous yarn that blends 55% silk and 45% cashmere. Each skein contains approximately 400 yards (457 meters) and weighs 1.75 oz (50 g). The pattern calls for 2 skeins, knitted in the colorway English Ivy. This fiber combination is particularly well suited to lace knitting: the silk content adds luminous sheen and encourages stitches to open up beautifully when blocked, while the cashmere contributes an incomparably soft, cloud-like hand feel. Together they create a fabric that is lightweight, drapey, and delicate — ideal for a stole intended to be worn close to the skin.

• Yarn: SweetGeorgia Yarns CashSilk Lace, 55% silk / 45% cashmere
• Yardage: 400 yds / 457 m per 50 g skein
• Amount: 2 skeins in English Ivy
• Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) 24-inch (61 cm) circular needle
• Notions: Tapestry needle for finishing

A circular needle is used here for its flexibility and ability to comfortably hold the full stitch count, even though the stole is worked flat rather than in the round.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Marietta Stitch. As with all lace projects, achieving accurate gauge is especially important because blocking can dramatically alter the final dimensions. Knitters are encouraged to adjust needle size as needed and to check their finished gauge carefully before committing to the full project.

Techniques and Construction

The Marietta Stole is constructed using a straightforward flat knitting method. The knitter casts on 107 stitches and works the Marietta Stitch — a 16-row repeat — for a total of 10 full repeats, followed by one additional repeat of Rows 1–16, before binding off loosely. The simplicity of the construction means that once the stitch pattern is memorized, the knitting flows rhythmically and meditatively.

The Marietta Stitch is worked over a multiple of 16 stitches plus 11. Despite its cable-like visual effect, no cable needle is required. The pattern achieves this sculptural, twisted appearance entirely through the strategic placement of eyelets (yarn overs) and decreases, which is one of the hallmarks of sophisticated lace design. The interplay between these elements creates columns and curves that mimic the look of cables while remaining firmly within the realm of lace knitting.

Stitches and Lace Techniques Used

• Yarn overs (yo): Used repeatedly to create the open eyelets that define the lace pattern and give the st