Lady Suffragette

Lady Suffragette Knitting Pattern by Threebagsfulled

Project Overview

The Lady Suffragette is an advanced knitting pattern from independent designer Threebagsfulled that offers two distinct wearable designs: a ponchette and a shawlette. Both pieces are created from a single downloadable PDF pattern, allowing knitters to choose their preferred silhouette. This versatile pattern demonstrates how a single set of stitch instructions can be adapted into multiple garment styles, making it an excellent project for experienced knitters looking to expand their design understanding.

What Is Being Made

This pattern provides instructions for two separate garments:

• Ponchette: A smaller, more structured cape-like garment suitable for layering and everyday wear
• Shawlette: A larger triangular or wrap-style shawl designed for versatile draping and styling options

Both versions share the same stitch pattern and chart but differ in construction method and final dimensions. The ponchette is ideal for those seeking a defined shoulder piece, while the shawlette offers greater fabric length and flexibility in wear.

Finished Dimensions

The completed garment measures approximately 12 inches in width by 122 inches in length, creating a substantial piece suitable for wrapping, draping, or wearing as a layering garment. This generous length allows for multiple styling options and ensures adequate coverage.

Techniques Used

The Lady Suffragette pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that require solid foundational skills:

• Make One (M1) Increase: A refined increase method where the bar between stitches is lifted from front to back and knitted through the back loop, creating a new stitch with minimal visual disruption to the fabric
• Yarn Over (yo): Used to create decorative eyelets and lacy sections throughout the pattern, adding visual interest and reducing fabric density in strategic areas
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease technique that pairs with yarn overs to create balanced shaping and lace motifs
• Stockinette Stitch Foundation: The primary stitch base that provides structure and allows the increases and decreases to create the pattern's visual design
• Circular Needle Construction: The pattern uses circular needles in multiple sizes to manage increasing stitch counts and accommodate the growing fabric

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and stitch techniques:

• K – Knit
• P – Purl
• yo – Yarn over
• ssk – Slip, slip, knit
• M1 – Make one new stitch
• c/o – Cast on
• LHN – Left hand needle

The pattern includes a chart for visual reference, allowing knitters to follow stitch sequences graphically rather than relying solely on written instructions. Pattern repeats are clearly marked with asterisks (*) to indicate sections that are worked multiple times across rows.

Materials Required

The Lady Suffragette pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the intended drape and finished appearance:

• Yarn: 1 skein of 100-gram Wolle's Color Changing Cotton, or any fingering weight yarn totaling 480 yards. Fingering weight yarn creates delicate, flowing fabric suitable for shawls and ponchos
• Needles: Multiple circular needle sizes are required to manage the construction process:
  • Size 5 (3.75mm) 16-inch circular needles or double-pointed needles for cast-on and initial rows
  • Size 6 (4mm) 24-inch circular needles for mid-project rows
  • Size 6 (4mm) 40-inch circular needles for later rows when stitch counts increase significantly
• Notions: Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 6 stitches to 1 inch when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this advanced pattern