Flora

Flora Shawl by Susanne Sommer

What Is Being Made

Flora is a bold and playful knitted shawl designed by Susanne Sommer, inspired by the iconic wardrobe of Frida Kahlo. This top-down shawl combines striking visual elements—large garter stitch stripes in bold contrasting colors alternating with delicate lace sections—creating a design that balances drama with refinement. The shawl features a contrasting border finished with a knotted fringe that pays homage to Frida's signature fringed shawls, adding a whimsical and artistic touch to the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Flora is knit from the top down, a construction method that allows knitters to easily customize the finished size by simply knitting until desired dimensions are reached. The shawl employs an i-cord selvedge, which creates a neat, finished edge along the sides and contributes to the polished appearance of the garment. The knotted fringe border is a signature design element, though the pattern offers flexibility by allowing knitters to substitute this decorative fringe with a clean and minimalist i-cord edge if preferred.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – forms the large, bold horizontal stripes that create the shawl's striking color-block effect
• Stockinette lace motif – the delicate lace sections that break up and soften the bold garter stitch stripes
• I-cord selvedge – creates finished edges and can also be used as an alternative border finish
• Knotted fringe – the decorative border treatment that adds movement and a nod to Frida Kahlo's aesthetic

Materials and Yarn

Flora is designed to be knit with On Stage—Long Métrage by Nature's Luxury, a luxuriously soft single-ply yarn that blends Merino, Silk, and Baby Camel fibers. This yarn features a soft sheen and comes in three saturated semi-solid colorways plus a matching speckled option, providing excellent color contrast possibilities for the shawl's striped design. The yarn's relatively high twist ensures durability and longevity, allowing the finished shawl to remain beautiful and maintain its structure for years of wear. As a 4-ply weight yarn, it offers an ideal balance between drape and definition for both the bold garter stitch stripes and the delicate lace sections.

Skill Level

Flora is rated as a beginner-friendly knitting project, making it accessible to knitters who are new to shawl construction and lace knitting. The straightforward top-down construction and combination of fundamental stitches—garter stitch and basic lace—allow beginners to successfully complete this striking garment while building confidence in their knitting skills.