Intricate doesn’t have to mean complicated. Stratia’s single lace motif plus rows of garter and stockinette stitch create the illusion of a piece that appears more complex than it really is. Repetition and intuitive lace make it easy to slip into a knitting groove, while the offbeat construction keeps things interesting (more on that in a moment). Plus, the layered structure presents plenty of leeway for color play. Solids, tonals, and lightly speckled or variegated colorways will show the lace off most clearly, but don’t let that stop you from getting creative!

Stratia is worked in two pieces and then joined using the three-needle bind-off. Symmetrical increases create the initial triangular shape, one side of which is then extended with a bias-knit section. If you like knitting triangular shawls, then Stratia will be double the fun!

Why “Stratia”? In geology, strata are distinct layers of rock and soil. When seen in cross section, they often appear as stripes. As I added “layers” of half squares to Stratia, this image came every more strongly to mind. This pattern is an homage to the layers in all of us.

Lace is both written and charted, and Stratia has been tech edited and test knit, so you can cast on with confidence!

SIZE
Length: 63.5” / 161.5 cm
Width: 21.5” / 54.5 cm
Measurements taken after firm blocking.

YARN
MC: approximately 709 yd / 649 m of fingering weight yarn
CC: approximately 367 yd / 336 m of fingering weight yarn

Shown in Elemental Fiberworks Neutron Fingering (60% SW Merino, 20% Yak, 20% Silk; 400 yd / 366 m per 100 g / 3.5 oz skein)
MC: 2 skeins, shown in Carbon
CC: 1 skein, shown in Boron

NEEDLES
Two pairs of US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge; 40” / 100 cm or longer circular needles are recommended to accommodate large number of stitches

Optional: Additional needle (circular, straight, or DPN) of the same or similar size for three-needle bind-off. You may also use the non-working end of one of the pairs holding the live stitches.

NOTIONS
4 stitch markers, 1 removable stitch marker (optional, to mark right side of work), 4 additional stitch markers (optional), tapestry needle

GAUGE
14 stitches and 16 rows of Bias Squares = 3.25” / 8.5 cm wide and 2.25” / 5.5 cm high after firm blocking. Gauge is not crucial but will affect yardage used and final dimensions.

TECHNIQUES
Yarn overs, single increases, single and double decreases, three-needle bind-off. Pattern includes links to more information about required stitches and techniques.

Here’s how testers described knitting Stratia: fun to knit, easy to memorize, satisfying, quick, unusual, enjoyable, cozy, never boring, adaptable, interesting construction, well written, a portable WIP that makes a generous FO, good for showing off hand-dyed yarns, and a great introduction to bias knitting.

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