Atai Bi Nana Shrug Cape Knitting Pattern

Atai Bi Nana Shrug in Juniper Moon Farm Áine

What Is Being Made

The Atai Bi Nana shrug is a delicate mesh lace layering piece inspired by the traditional mint tea of Morocco. This versatile garment is designed to drape elegantly over the shoulders and arms, providing a sophisticated layering option for any wardrobe. The shrug is worked flat in two contrasting colors and features dramatic fringe along the cuffs, adding movement and visual interest to the finished piece.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

This pattern is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. The finished arm circumference ranges from 12 inches (30.5 cm) for Small to 16 inches (40.75 cm) for Large. The cuff-to-cuff width spans 36 inches (91.5 cm) for Small, 42 inches (106.75 cm) for Medium, and 48 inches (122 cm) for Large, allowing for comfortable layering over various garments.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs several essential knitting techniques. The shrug is worked flat using a circular needle to accommodate a large number of stitches, though the fabric is created by working back and forth rather than in the round. The pattern utilizes a slip-stitch edge technique, where the first stitch of every row is slipped purl-wise with yarn in front, then the yarn is brought to the back to form a smooth, finished chain edge. Color work is incorporated through alternating between the main color and contrast color, with careful attention to slipping the first stitch with the old color before picking up the new color to maintain consistent edge definition.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (worked flat): Created by knitting all stitches on every row, this fundamental stitch provides a textured, ridged fabric and is used for the cuff sections at the beginning and end of the shrug.
• Mesh Lace: The primary stitch pattern for the body of the shrug, worked over an even number of stitches. This lace pattern alternates between yarn overs and knit-two-together decreases to create an open, airy fabric with a delicate appearance. Row 1 (right side) begins with a yarn over followed by repeated knit-two-together and yarn-over combinations. Row 3 (right side) shifts the pattern by starting with a knit stitch, then alternating yarn overs and knit-two-together decreases. Rows 2 and 4 (wrong side) are worked entirely in purl stitches to maintain the lace structure.
• Yarn Over (yo): An increase technique that creates the decorative holes characteristic of the mesh lace pattern.
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used throughout the mesh lace to balance the yarn overs and maintain stitch count.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This shrug is crafted using Juniper Moon Farm Áine yarn, a luxurious 50-gram skein. The main color (MC) is Áine in color 04 African Violet, while the contrast color (CC) is Áine in color 08 Wasabi, creating a striking two-color design that echoes the inspiration of Moroccan mint tea. The pattern requires one skein of each color. Knitting is worked on a US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (61 cm) long, which provides adequate length to hold the large number of cast-on stitches without crowding. A tapestry needle is needed for finishing seams and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches by 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the Mesh Lace stitch pattern after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and drape of the shrug. Blocking is recommended to set the lace pattern and ensure consistent dimensions across the finished piece.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The shrug begins with a cast-on of 180 (208, 240) stitches depending on size. The first section is worked in Garter stitch for 8 rows to create a finished cuff edge. The main body is then worked in the Mesh Lace pattern in the contrast color until the piece measures 11 (13, 15) inches (28, 33, 38 cm) from the beginning of the lace section, finishing with a row in the contrast color. The pattern then switches back to the main color and continues in Garter stitch