Stole of the Seas

Stole of the Seas Pattern by Melanie Berg

What is Being Made

The Stole of the Seas is an elegant knitted stole designed by Melanie Berg, offering a sophisticated wrap that combines classic lace techniques with contemporary styling. This rectangular accessory measures 14 inches by 88.5 inches (35 cm by 225 cm) when finished, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for draping over blouses, dresses, or wearing as a shoulder wrap. The design is intentionally adjustable in length, allowing knitters to customize the finished dimensions to their preferences.

Techniques Used

The Stole of the Seas employs lace knitting as its primary technique, creating an open, airy fabric that showcases delicate stitch patterns. The pattern incorporates strategic decreases and yarn overs to form the characteristic openwork design typical of lace shawls and stoles. The construction method uses circular needles worked in the round or back-and-forth, allowing for the creation of the long, flowing rectangular shape that defines this garment.

Stitches Used

This intermediate-level pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create lace effects:

• Knit (k) - the basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (p) - the reverse of the knit stitch, used to create texture and stitch definition
• K2tog (knit 2 together) - a right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count by one
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) - a left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches individually as if to knit, then inserting the left needle through both stitches and knitting them together

These stitches work in combination to form the lace pattern characteristic of the design, with decreases paired with yarn overs to maintain stitch count while creating the openwork aesthetic.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The sample is worked in Shalimar Yarns Breathless, a luxurious blend consisting of 75% Merino wool, 15% Cashmere, and 10% Silk. This yarn weight is classified as 4-ply, providing a refined drape suitable for lace work. The yardage requirement is approximately 852 yards (779 meters) total, with the sample using 2 skeins in the colorway "Tawny" (229 grams).

Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles are recommended, though needle size may be adjusted to achieve proper gauge.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches by 16 rows over 2 inches (5 cm) in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and fabric characteristics.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with lace techniques, managing multiple decreases, and reading stitch patterns. The combination of basic stitches with lace construction provides an accessible entry point into more advanced lace knitting without overwhelming complexity.