Elegant Knitted Drape Stole Pattern with Beaded Frills — 20" x 87" Shawl Instructions
This knitted drape (stole) is an elegant, lightweight accessory that combines a lacy body with dramatic, dropped-stitch frills at each end. The pattern uses variegated cotton for lovely color movement and optionally adds translucent seed beads threaded onto the cast-on edge for extra sparkle. Finished measurements are approximately 20 inches wide by 87 inches long, with frills of about 7.5 inches at each end. The design relies on dropped stitches for the frill effect and Kitchener grafting to join the body and second frill; some experience with bead-threading and basic lace techniques is helpful.
SIZE
One.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
20 inches wide, 87 inches long.
"Frills" measure approximately 7.5 inches long at each end.
MATERIALS
Mandarin Petit by Sandnes (100% Egyptian cotton; 180 m per 50 g ball); variegated; 4 balls
Two 24-inch US #5 / 3.75 mm circular needles
Yarn needle
Optional:
302 translucent iridescent seed beads - size 6,
Thread, wire or dental-floss threader (purchased at drug store) to thread beads onto yarn
GAUGE
Stitches: 3 body pattern reps = 4 inches, slightly stretched.
Rows: 4 body pattern reps = 3.5 inches, slightly stretched.
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES
Threading beads onto yarn
Using thread or dental floss (you will need a needle that is small enough to go through the hole of the bead to do this). Cut a piece of thread or dental floss a few inches long.
Thread both ends through the eye of the needle, leaving a loop sticking out.
Holding the two ends of the thread or dental floss firmly, insert the end of your knitting yarn through the loop.
Pull the two ends of the thread or floss, bringing the knitting yarn against the eye of the needle.
Holding the needle thread or floss and the knitting yarn together tightly, pick up the beads with the working end of the needle and slide them onto the knitting yarn.
Continue sliding beads down the thread until you have strung the desired amount of beads.
Using a dental floss threader
A dental floss threader is what people use to thread floss around their dental bridges. It is semi-rigid and has a loop and a "joined" part.
Thread the knitting yarn through the loop, pick up the beads with the working end of the needle and slide them over the loop and onto the knitting yarn.
DIRECTIONS
If using beads, thread 151 beads onto yarn.
Using a long-tail cast on, CO 152 sts, slipping one bead between each CO stitch.
Row 1: P1, k1 tbl, *p2, k1 tbl. Rep from * across row.
Row 2: P1, *k1 tbl, k1, p1. Rep from * to last st, end with k1 tbl.
Rep these two rows 17 times.
Next row: P1, k1 tbl, * drop 1 st off needle, p1, k1 tbl. Rep from * across row. (102 sts).
NOTE: the dropped stitches will unravel down to the CO row. Don't be nervous, this is what creates the lovely drape of the frill!
Next 2 rows: * P1, k1 tbl. Rep from * across row.
Dec Row: P1, k1, *p2tog, k2tog. Rep from * to last 4 sts. End with p2tog, k1, p1. (53 sts).
Body:
Prep row: K3, *YO twice, k2tog, k3. Rep from * across row.
Row 1: K5, *drop 1 loop off needle, YO twice, k2tog, k3. Rep from * to last st, end with k1.
Row 2: K3, *drop 1 loop off needle, k2, YO twice, k2tog, k1. Rep from * across row.
Row 3: K3, *drop 1 loop off needle, YO twice, k2tog, k3. Rep from * across row.
Rep Rows 1 to 3 120 times.
Break yarn and set stole aside, leaving sts on the needle.
Second Frill:
If using beads, thread 151 beads onto yarn.
With 2nd circular needle and long tail cast on, CO 152 sts, slipping one bead between each CO stitch.
Work as for first frill, leave sts on the needle.
FINISHING
Line up the live sts of the body to those of the second frill and graft together using Kitchener stitch.
If they haven't already unravelled on their own, unravel dropped sts all the way to the CO row. Marvel at the extra length that is suddenly yours to play with!
Weave in ends.
To block, thread nylon cord or fishing line through edges of shawl body, excluding frills.
Stretch cord and pin ends tightly. Dampen or mist shawl and block to measurements.