Shibori Horizon Stole

Shibori Horizon Stole by Laurie Beardsley

What Is Being Made

The Shibori Horizon Stole is a light, airy rectangular knit wrap designed to evoke the visual effect of tie-dyed fabric. The finished stole measures 70 inches by 17 inches (170 cm by 43 cm) after blocking. The color work creates a rippling effect throughout the fabric, reminiscent of natural phenomena such as the edge of a grassy meadow or a sunset reflecting over the ocean. This intermediate-level knitting project produces an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Shibori Horizon Stole employs short row shaping as its primary construction technique. This method allows the designer to create directional color transitions and dimensional shaping within the rectangular form. The stole is intentionally knit loosely and then blocked to achieve its characteristic open, airy appearance. Blocking is a critical finishing step that transforms the fabric's drape and visual impact, changing the gauge significantly from pre-blocked to post-blocked measurements.

A key design feature involves carrying both colors along the sides throughout the project. This technique eliminates the need to weave in ends at color changes, streamlining the finishing process and creating clean edges.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The entire stole is worked in garter stitch, the fundamental knit stitch pattern created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This simple stitch choice allows the color work and short-row shaping to become the visual focal points of the design. The stitch pattern's straightforward nature makes it accessible for intermediate knitters while the overall construction technique provides appropriate complexity.

Materials and Gauge

The Shibori Horizon Stole requires 400 to 450 yards (365 to 415 meters) each of two different colors of lace weight yarn. The pattern recommends lace weight yarns that block well, with specific suggestions including alpaca or alpaca blends, which are prized for their drape and blocking properties.

Knitters will need a US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring at least 47 inches (120 cm) long to accommodate the width of the stole during construction. A yarn needle for weaving in any remaining ends and blocking supplies are also necessary.

The gauge specifications reflect the significant transformation that occurs during blocking. Before blocking, the gauge is 17 stitches and 36 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch. After blocking, the gauge becomes 15 stitches and 27 rows to 4 inches (10 cm). While gauge is noted as not critical to the project's success, variations in gauge will affect both the total yarn yardage required and the final size and drape characteristics of the finished stole.